Harris, Astle turn down domestic contracts

Chris Harris and Nathan Astle have turned down domestic contracts with the Canterbury Cricket Union paving the way for them to join the Indian Cricket League.

Richard Reid, the chief executive of Canterbury Cricket told The Press that “He has been an outstanding player and leader for Canterbury and has had a distinguished career. Chris has not indicated whether he will be taking up other cricket playing opportunities.”

Canterbury coach Dave Nosworthy said “It’s a huge loss for us. Harry did not say what he was going to do but I could understand his looking elsewhere in the circumstances. He just said he was unable to take up our offer.”

Harris has played for Canterbury for 18 years and has played a total of 23 Tests, 250 ODIs, 128 First Class, and 425 List A matches.

New Zealand Cricket have said that any player who signs with the Indian Cricket League would be in breach of contract and therefore could not play in the Indian Cricket League as well as domestic cricket in New Zealand.

Other New Zealand players Chris Cairns, Shane Bond and Stephen Fleming are also understood to be on the list of players the Indian Cricket League are trying to secure.