London, Apr. 5 : Taking a u-turn from his ‘never play for New Zealand again’ stance, retired Kiwi pacer Shane Bond has expressed desire to don the Black Cap once again.

Bond, who is training hard to get into shape, is planning a return to first class cricket for Canterbury next season.

The fiery fast bowler, whom batsman across the world feared facing, had joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) two years ago, halting his international career abruptly.

Auckland, Mar. 29 : Former Kiwi cricketers, including Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey, have been told they will be released from their ICL contracts if they request a release next week, a move which will allow them to play for the Black Caps again.

Players contracted to the financially strapped, unsanctioned Indian Cricket League recently received an e-mail from tournament organisers informing them of the option.

It''s understood Himanshu Mody, the ICL''s business head, will fly to Australia to meet with ICL executive board member and famed Channel Nine commentator Tony Greig in the next 10 days to discuss the proposal.

Canterbury (New Zealand), Feb. 26 : Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond will not play this year's Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

Arguably the standout performer of Canterbury's march to the State Twenty20 final against Otago, Bond's contract with the Delhi Giants means he will not be permitted to play in the Champions event, should Canterbury win and then the winner of Sunday's match be invited.

Unlike Chris Harris, whose differing contract with the Hyderabad Heroes meant he was not eligible to play for Canterbury at all during the State Twenty20, Bond has been.