Vettori announces unavailability for NZC contract

New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori has announced that he has chosen to make himself unavailable for a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) contract and a domestic Northern Districts one for the 2013-2014 season.

New Zealand's second highest test wicket taker recently had surgery on his Achilles heel and will require between three and six months rehabilitation before he knows if he will be in a position to return to full fitness, Stuff.co.nz reports.

According to a NZC statement, Vettori would make a decision on his playing future after his recovery, adding that the player though it inappropriate to take a retainer contract.

Stating that he is focused on his recovery from his recent surgery, Vettori said that he would be working hard to get back onto the playing field over the next six-month period, although he added that it would be wrong for him to take a retainer contract given his present injury situation.

Vettori further said that it does not feel right to him to take up such a contract this year given the time he would need to spend out of the game with his recovery, and the level of uncertainty about when he may play again.

According to Vettori, he will now focus on his rehabilitation in the coming months, with the overall goal of making a return to the cricket field during the summer months.

NZC boss David White said that although Vettori showed the massive value that he still brings to the Black Caps side during the ICC Champions Trophy, he has indicated that he is in a position where he feels uncomfortable taking a contract this season, as he builds towards making a return to the cricket field.

Stating that the board appreciated Vettori's honesty and up-front approach, White further said that the former skipper had made his decision in the best interests of NZC, adding that there is no doubting Vettori's hunger to continue competing.

White also said that they hope to see Vettori back playing for the Black Caps again when the time is right.