Former BLACKCAPS captain Stephen Fleming will turn out for State Wellington Firebirds in the State Twenty20 this season.
Fleming, a Cricket Wellington Board member, will feature for the Firebirds in their 2008/09 campaign between stints for his Indian Premier League side, Chennai Super Kings.
"In addition to my continuing involvement in the IPL tournament in India over the next two years, I am thrilled at the prospect of being part of a successful Firebirds team in the upcoming domestic Twenty20 competition," he said in a statement.
"I firmly believe that we have what it takes to win this competition.With the winner of this competition potentially qualifying for the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 competition in late 2009, it's an added incentive.
"It's an exciting challenge, and I look forward to playing a leading role for the Firebirds this summer."
Cricket Wellington Chief Executive Gavin Larsen added: "Securing the services of a player of the international stature and calibre of Stephen Fleming is a coup for the State Wellington Firebirds and exciting news for cricket in Wellington.
"Stephen's experience and ability will be invaluable to the Firebirds' State Twenty20 campaign."
