Dale Benkenstein joins ICL

Dale Benkenstein, the South African allrounder, has ended a 15-year association with KwaZulu-Natal by signing up for the Indian Cricket League (ICL). If Cricket South Africa (CSA) adhere to their policy on players who sign with the ICL, Benkenstein won't be allowed to play for the Dolphins or any other South African team again.

"It is with regret that we have to release Dale Benkenstein from his contract," KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union's chief executive Cassim Docrat told Independent Online. "He was expected to play a major role for us this season. However, we understand his position in this matter and so we have decided, on his request, to release him. We have always seen Dale as a very loyal and committed cricketer. He's given 100%, if not more, to KwaZulu-Natal cricket and we believe he still has a lot to offer. We hope, some time in the future, that he will once again be able to play a role in our cricket."

Benkenstein, who announced his decision on Tuesday, said that the ICL had made him a late offer.

"For the last 15 years my working life has been KwaZulu-Natal cricket, but I must also consider my future," Benkenstein said. "There are some great names playing in the league, and also the financial package [for a month's cricket starting later this month] is something that would normally have taken me six years to earn. There aren't many years left in my career, and, at the end of the day, cricket is a business."

Benkenstein had led the province for eight consecutive years and was expected to fulfill the role of a player-coach during the upcoming season. His absence would further weaken the Dolphins after they lost Lance Klusener as well to the ICL.