Cricket: McCullum being lured away mid-series

New Zealand Cricket is being tempted with a million dollar carrot to release Brendon McCullum to the Indian Twenty20 cricket circus in the middle of the Black Caps' current Test series with England.

Under the proposal from the Indian Premier League (IPL), McCullum would return briefly to the sub-continent to play in an IPL semifinal for the Kolkata Knight Riders team, in between the second and third cricket tests against England.

Reports suggest the IPL has offered New Zealand Cricket US$1million for his services in the semifinals.

McCullum made a huge impact with Indian crowds in the IPL series opener earlier this year with a dashing century which featured some awesome ball-striking. He made 158 not out off just 73 balls.

Captain Daniel Vettori says he is okay with the proposed move.

Manager Lindsay Crocker says they have not had a direct approach and any decision would have to be made by CEO Justin Vaughan.

It is yet to become a genuine issue because there is no guarantee McCullum's side will make the semifinals.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZHERALD STAFF