Cricket: McCullum joins Twenty20

Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum has joined a growing number of New Zealand test cricketers signing up to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament.

The Black Caps wicketkeeper was unveiled among the latest signings for the International Cricket Council (ICC) competition - establishment's answer to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) venture.

The acquisition of McCullum comes hard on the heels of allrounder Jacob Oram's signing this week.

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, his successor Daniel Vettori and middle order batsmen Scott Styris have already joined a host of current internationals to spearhead the $4.5 million tournament.

Current Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik and two of his teammates Younis Khan and Mohd Asif were also signed up today along with McCullum.

The quartet increase the number of internationals contracted to the franchise-based competition to 29.

More signings are expected next week, with New Zealand's premier fast bowler Shane Bond a potential target.

The inaugural tournament is scheduled for April and will comprise 59 matches over 44 days. Players would be spread among eight franchises featuring Indian players.

- NZPA