McCullum NSW deal is the new reality of cricket, says Roebuck

Sydney, Jan.23 (ANI): Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum is going to play cricket for New South Wales this weekend.

McCullum is playing for NSW in the last Twenty20 contest of the campaign at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night.

According to cricket commentator Peter Roebuck, the timing is significant.

"Winning is not important. Both finalists, Victoria and NSW, have already qualified for the lucrative Champions League showdown due to be staged in India later this year. Several NSW players have signed for Indian outfits and might be obliged to stick by them in those finals," says Roebuck.

Fearful of sending a weakened team to the finals, thereby reducing their chances of making a motza, NSW have offered terms to the swashbuckling Kiwi. Nor could any time be wasted.

"By signing McCullum, the Blues have improved their chance of pocketing the money in India," says Roebuck in an article for the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The IPL and the ICL are full of watered-down stories of that sort. It has opened doors for hundreds of gifted youngsters," he says.

Traditionalists argue Australian domestic cricket ought to be reserved for sons of the soil on the grounds that its primary purpose is to sift talent.

"McCullum is not a hack likely to prod around like a medical student at a belly. He is a match-winner. Although his appearance might not greatly improve relations between the states involved, he is entertaining and can change the course of contests," Roebuck says. (ANI)