Left-arm seamer Bradley Scott has had a change of heart and will not be playing his cricket for Otago this season.
The 31-year-old approached the Otago Cricket Association (OCA) about moving south this summer and was offered a playing contract for 2011-12.
But after a great deal of angst, Scott has decided to decline the offer and will remain with Northern Districts this summer.
"I guess I made a selfish decision [to return to Otago] based on cricket goals and after a bit more consideration, I think the best decision for my family is to actually stay up here in Hamilton," he told the Otago Daily Times.
"I've probably let some people down. I'm just going to have to live with it, I guess. But I feel a lot more comfortable with the decision."
OCA chief executive Ross Dykes and coach Vaughn Johnson were disappointed but understood Scott's decision.
"It is a surprise and somewhat disappointing, given that it was Bradley who initiated the move," Dykes said in a press release.
"However, I well appreciate that family life must take precedence over sport and we wish Bradley, Jennie and their two girls well. Families are forever, where cricket careers can be short and fickle."
Johnson was of a similar opinion.
"Obviously, I'm disappointed," he said.
"But I agree family must come first in these situations. It is just a shame we've gone so far down the path of thinking Bradley was coming back and now he has changed his mind."
Scott played 43 first-class games for Otago and took 142 wickets at an average of 25. He transferred to Northern Districts in 2008 and has not enjoyed the same degree of success, with 21 wickets at 52.23.
Scott's contract will have to be filled and there is plenty of talent to plug the gap. The likes of James McMillan, Craig Smith and Anthony Bullick shape as the leading contenders.
Otago
Contracted players
Nick Beard, Michael Bracewell, Darren Broom, Ian Butler, Craig Cumming, Derek de Boorder, Warren McSkimming, Aaron Redmond, Neil Wagner, Sam Wells.
