Troubled big-hitting batsman Jesse Ryder has cited personal reasons to pull out of the New Zealand A squad, which is set to tour the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
New Zealand Cricket's selection boss Bruce Edgar said that Ryder made the decision after meeting with Otago Volts officials in Dunedin on Monday morning. He said in a statement that NZC respects Ryder's decision and is currently considering options for a replacement.
Ryder's withdrawal follows his absence from the domestic Otago team that beat Canterbury in a national Twenty20 match in Christchurch yesterday, stuff.co.nz reported.
Ryder didn't make Saturday's team flight to Christchurch, citing personal reasons, believed to be relationship issues.
Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes acknowledged Ryder's unexpected absence at the weekend following a meeting with the player this morning. Dykes said that the big-hitting batsman was currently dealing with a personal issue and had requested his privacy be respected in the matter.
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He also said that in terms of Ryder's Otago commitments, they would continue to work with the New Zealand batsman with a view to him rejoining their Georgie Pie Super Smash campaign, but added that a decision on this would not be made until later in the week.
Dykes said that Otago is disappointed for Ryder but added that a player's well-being is paramount and, with that in mind, their priority is to help him towards the best possible outcome.
Ryder's decision to withdraw from the New Zealand A squad is likely to end any hopes of playing for national squad at the World Cup which New Zealand co-hosts with Australia in February and March. New Zealand must name a provisional World Cup squad of 30 by December 8, the report added.
