Former Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori has ruled himself out of a New Zealand Cricket retainer contract for the coming season as he recovers from achilles surgery.
The 34-year-old left-arm spinner has also opted to make himself unavailable for a similar contract with the Northern Knights.
Vettori had the operation in June in a bid to prolong his career.
He needs three to six months’ rehabilitation before he’ll be able to make a decision on his playing future.
He says he’ll be working hard to get back on the field, but says his situation makes it inappropriate for him to be kept on a retainer.
“Given the time I’ll need to spend out of the game with my recovery, and the level of uncertainty about when I may play again, it doesn’t feel right that I take up a retainer contract this year,” he said in a statement.
“I will now focus on my rehabilitation in the coming months, with the overall goal of making a return to the cricket field during the summer months. Hopefully it goes well.”
Vettori underwent surgery after he returned from nearly a year out of international cricket to play in the Champions Trophy in England.
He appeared in all three rounds of the group stage, from which the Black Caps failed to progress.
NZC chief executive David White said Vettori showed the value he brought to the side in that tournament.
He said Vettori’s decision was, as always, made with the best interest of New Zealand cricket in mind.
“We appreciate his honesty and up-front approach,” White said.
“There’s no doubting Dan’s hunger to continue competing, and we hope to see him back playing for the Black Caps again when the time is right.”