The former Black Caps skipper can demand an enormous pay packet on the twenty20 circuit, and the 35-year-old is also quite keen to spend more time on the beach these days.
That said, Otago Cricket Association chief executive Mike Coggan has not given up on the idea. The association approached McCullum about playing for Otago in the New Zealand domestic twenty20 competition this season.
"He made it quite clear that he wanted to spend time on the beaches before he played in the Australian Big Bash but he hasn’t discounted it in the future," Coggan said.
"It wasn’t going to be a go this year because he just wanted time out."
While the Volts were locked in absorbing battle with Central Districts at Pukekura Park on Wednesday, McCullum was helping the Brisbane Heat to a 10-run win against the Adelaide Strikers at Adelaide Oval. He blasted 42 from 21 deliveries and led the side superbly.
Coggan felt the biggest sticking point would be timing, as the New Zealand and Australian leagues overlap.
"That will have a bearing on whether he is available. But I’d never discount it and we will continue to go back to him. He has always said he has a lot of love and fond memories of Otago, so we can draw on that side of it down the track."
Financially, Otago would not be able to offer McCullum anywhere near as much as he could earn in Australia. But there is hope. Former Sri Lankan international Mahela Jayawardene has chosen to play in New Zealand rather than Australia. Central Districts have put a package together which works for Jayawardene and Otago would need to do the same for McCullum.
Coggan believes New Zealand Cricket should avoid a scheduling clash with the Big Bash which would make it easier to lure players like McCullum back.
