Bond cut by New Zealand

Shane Bond © Getty Images

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Shane Bond will play no part in New Zealand's one-day and Test series against England after having his contract with New Zealand Cricket terminated because of his links with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

The 32-year-old fast bowler would have provided the main threat to England in both formats of the game had he been available for the two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and three Tests over the coming two months.

Bond believed that signing for the unsanctioned ICL would not impinge on his availability for his country and NZC agreed to release him providing he was able to complete his contractual obligations with them up to May of this year.

But the International Cricket Council, the game’s world governing body, have since ruled that contracted players cannot be released for unsanctioned events – leaving Bond and NZC with no option but to terminate their agreement.

"I've taken immense pride in playing for the Black Caps," said Bond in a statement. "I believed I could continue to do so for the term of my contract while also taking up the ICL opportunity.

"Given what has happened, I want to do the right thing by New Zealand Cricket, so at their request I have terminated my contract.

“I will continue to be available to play for the Black Caps and look forward to doing so once again when New Zealand Cricket deems this appropriate."

Justin Vaughan, chief executive of NZC, conceded: "This is a difficult situation and we must comply with ICC regulations and support other member countries and as a consequence can no longer entertain Shane playing for the Black Caps.

"At some stage in the future we may be able to welcome Shane back into the Black Caps, either when he is no longer playing for the ICL or when that competition does not exist."