Cricket: Vettori to play in Caribbean Premier League

Daniel Vettori. Photo / Getty Images

Daniel Vettori will return to cricket next month to play in the Caribbean Premier League.

He has been confirmed as the international franchise player in the Jamaica Tallawahs, replacing Muttiah Muralitharan.

Vettori's most recent role in the game was as head coach for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

He will once again team with Chris Gayle as he and the Tallawahs aim to retain their CPL trophy.

The 35-year-old still holds ambitions of playing for New Zealand, notably in next year's World Cup at home.

In a statement, Vettori said: "It's a privilege to be able to step in and help the Tallawahs defend their title. Having heard so many positive words about the CPL from my fellow cricketers, when the opportunity to come to the Caribbean and play in arguably one of the world's most flamboyant and exciting T20 competitions came along, I couldn't turn it down."

Damien O'Donohoe, chief executive of the Caribbean Premier League, said: "Murali certainly leaves big shoes to be filled at the Tallawahs, but we're confident Daniel has the ability and personality to become a valuable asset for the team."

Ross Taylor, Martin Guptill and Corey Anderson are the other New Zealanders involved.
The CPL starts on July 11.