BLACKCAPS captain Brendon McCullum has committed himself to New Zealand Cricket for another year.
The 33-year-old, whose international future has been the subject of much speculation over the past week, will lead the BLACKCAPS in their long-awaited home and away series against Australia this summer, as well as being available for the World T20 in India in March.
The annual contracting process will be completed next week, with the list of players being offered central contracts announced on Wednesday. McCullum said it was an exciting time ahead for the BLACKCAPS.
“It’s a critical time for the side,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed a pretty good past 18 months, but there are some serious challenges ahead and we need to keep making progress.
“This is a young, emerging team with some very big series looming on the horizon – and it’s really exciting to be involved.”
New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said he was delighted with the development, describing McCullum’s retention as a red-letter day for all Kiwi cricket followers.
“This is enormous news for NZC, the BLACKCAPS, and everyone who supports the game in New Zealand,” said Mr White.
“Under Brendon, the BLACKCAPS have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past 18 months and to have him remaining at the helm for another year is extremely good news.
“Brendon has proved himself to be an exceptional player and leader, and the side will be much stronger for his presence.”
McCullum will sit out the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa after an intense period of cricket dating back to the ICC Cricket World Cup, and is on track to play his 100th consecutive Test (since his debut) in the upcoming home series against Australia.
Only South African AB de Villiers, who has played 98 consecutive Tests since making his debut, can beat him to what would be a world record, and de Villiers has handed McCullum that opportunity by taking paternity leave during South Africa's upcoming tour of Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, McCullum has agreed to a three-year deal with Australian Big Bash team the Brisbane Heat, currently coached by fellow Kiwi Daniel Vettori.
A member of the Heat in the inaugural Big Bash series, McCullum will return to the Brisbane franchise this summer and will be available for any games that don’t clash with BLACKCAPS internationals.
“I’m certainly looking forward to linking up with the Heat again,’’ said McCullum. “Apart from Brett Lee breaking my nose in the first ever game, I enjoyed being part of the inaugural year when it was all a bit unknown and there was a lot of excitement and buzz about the BBL.
“The competition has really developed quickly since then and, from what I have seen, the standard is right up there with the best in the world.”