Taylor to quit Zimbabwe team, signs Kolpak deal

Auckland, March 12 (IANS) Top Zimbabwe wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon Taylor could be featuring in his last game for his country when his side faces India in their last World Cup Pool B game at the Seddon Park on Saturday.

Taylor has signed a three-year Kolpak deal with Nottinghamshire, subject to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) approval, which makes him ineligible to play for Zimbabwe while that contract is in effect.

The Kolpak deal allows English county cricket clubs to employ the services of a multitude of overseas cricketers. Under the Kolpak ruling citizens of countries that have signed European Union Association Agreements have the same right to freedom of work and movement within the EU as EU citizens. African, Caribbean and Pacific (APC) Group of States have also signed the agreement.

His availability for the county team will only be confirmed after the ongoing quadrennial event. However, he has left the door ajar for playing for Zimbabwe again after the expiry of the three-year contract, but could also go on to turn up in England colours.

Terming the decision as one of the biggest he has had to take, the 29-year-old who has been Zimbabwe’s middle-order mainstay for a long time, said he feels sad leaving his national team but added it was a decision taken for his family.

"It's been one of the biggest decisions I've had to make; in fact the biggest decision," Taylor was quoted as saying by espncricinfo on Thursday.

"I've always been very passionate about playing for Zimbabwe, I still am. I sat down with my wife and we decided to make this decision together. I feel very sad about it but at the same time very excited to be a part of one of the better county sides in England.

“They've welcomed me with open arms and I'm looking forward to cementing a good relationship with them over the next three years,” he said.

Taylor has played 23 Tests and 26 T20Is. The match against India will be his 167th ODI. He has 5120 ODI runs and 1493 Test runs, both at an average of 34.