ChampionsLeague

Brendon McCullum (C) batting action.

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders coach John Buchanan may have parted ways with the Indian Premier League franchise but captain Brendon McCullum remains in the news for having affirmed his loyalty to his home club State Otago Volts ahead of an intense bid to rope him in to play New South Wales Blues in the Champions League to be played in India in October.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he would rather see the hard-hitting Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman in Otago colours than the New South Wales strip.

“Money would buy a lot of cricket balls. But, in the end, it is about more than just money. There is real merit in a New Zealand team in the Champions League competing really well and, hopefully, winning it. The only way you do that is with your best team," Vaughan said.

NSW Blues were said to be contemplating the move after losing opening batsman David Warner to Indian Premier League franchise the Delhi Daredevils, who have also qualified for the $US6 million tournament. “There is no doubt having Brendon McCullum in your team increases your chances of a win,” NSW chief executive David Gilbert said.