New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan would rather see the hard-hitting Black Caps wicketkeeper-batsman in Otago colours than the New South Wales strip, despite a considerable offer reportedly about to be tabled.
The Sydney Morning Herald yesterday reported the New South Wales Blues were poised to offer a $US250,000 transfer fee to secure McCullum's services for the Champions League twenty/20 tournament in India in October.
NSW is contemplating the move after losing opening batsman David Warner to Indian Premier League franchise the Delhi Daredevils, who have also qualified for the $US6 million tournament.
"There is no doubt having Brendon McCullum in your team increases your chances of a win," NSW chief executive David Gilbert told The Australian newspaper.
"[Making an offer] is certainly something we will consider."
But Mr Vaughan had not heard from NSW yesterday.
"New Zealand Cricket have not received any request, so it is all a bit hypothetical, to be honest," Mr Vaughan said. However, he would not rule out negotiations if an approach was made.
"I would want to talk it through with Ross [Dykes, Otago Cricket Association chief executive], but my gut feel is we want Otago to do really well at the Champions League.
"That money would buy a lot of cricket balls. But, in the end, it is about more than just money.
"There is real merit in a New Zealand team in the Champions League competing really well and, hopefully, winning it. The only way you do that is with your best team."
It is a view Mr Dykes shares.
"It would take an awful lot to convince me [to accept NSW's offer for McCullum]."
The man at the centre of the tug of war is in England with the Black Caps squad preparing for the world twenty/20 championship and could not be reached for comment.
Mr Dykes, though, contacted McCullum yesterday and said the gloveman reaffirmed his allegiance to Otago.
