Andre Adams joins ICL

Andre Adams, the New Zealand allrounder, has signed a two-year contract with the Indian Cricket League (ICL). His move comes after his recent criticism of the New Zealand coach John Bracewell and the rest of the selectors for continuing to exclude him from the national squad.

"It's an opportunity I simply can't turn down," Adams told the New Zealand Press Association. It also offers me the chance to play in India for the first time with and against some high profile players. I'm excited about the challenge."

Adams had lashed out after failing to make the Test squad for the home series against Bangladesh despite leading the State Championship bowling averages with 29 wickets at 8.27.

"I'm pretty disappointed with the treatment I've received over the past year, especially not being picked for the World Cup," Adams had said. "I don't have any loyalty to New Zealand Cricket. I have done my bit for them and if it means I had to knock my aspirations of playing Test cricket again on the head, so be it."

The last time Adams turned out for New Zealand was in January 2007, and after missing out on the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, he said: "I've watched some players who were picked ahead of me have a pretty average time of it, and they just keep playing.

"When I was also left out of the Twenty20 world champs, I thought `well, if I can't get in ahead of Bradley Scott I must be a fair bit off the pace."

Adams' decision means he becomes ineligible for national selection, thereby bringing his international career to a halt. He played 42 ODIs and scored 417 runs at 17.45 and claimed 53 wickets with career-best figures of 5 for 22 against India. He also played a solitary Test, against England in 2002, when he claimed six wickets.