Ryder's cricketing future in limbo after opting out of playing for New Zealand

Wellington, May 31(ANI): New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has informed the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) that he will not be available for a national contract for the 2012-13 season, leaving his cricketing future in the dark.

Ryder apprised NZC's director of cricket John Buchanan of his decision at his annual player review in Wellington yesterday as he works towards 'a number of health and fitness-related goals'.

His manager, Aaron Klee, and NZ Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills, accompanied Ryder to the review and supported his decision.

"All of the evidence shows that Jesse is on the right track, both on and off the field, but we're aware that there are still steps to be made," Stuff.co.nz quoted NZC chief executive David White, as saying.

"While cricket remains an important part of his life, it is his health and well-being that need to be the primary focus. Jesse wants to concentrate on his personal goals without the media pressures, commercial pressures and other demands associated with being a contracted player," he added.

Ryder returned from a fairly successful Indian Premier League campaign with the Pune Warriors, and is understood to have at least one Twenty20 offer from English counties.

He could tentatively make a neat living from badgering his trade in the big T20 tournaments in England, Australia and India.

Cricket Wellington also has to decide whether to offer Ryder a domestic contract for the coming season. (ANI)