The future of Blackcaps all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme is up in the air, after his selection for Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).
De Grandhomme, 36, was the 13th pick of Australian cricket's inaugural draft, after an apparent late move onto the eligible players list.
Initially absent from the 332 player list for Sunday's draft, de Grandhomme must have actively put his name forward to be picked.
Strikers coach Jason Gillespie stated de Grandhomme's availability was a key factor in his selection, but the BBL dates - December 13 to February 4 - clash with the Blackcaps tour of Pakistan, leaving de Grandhomme needing NZ Cricket clearance to play in Australia.
Even if he isn't selected for the tour, permission is still needed, due to de Grandhomme's status as a centrally contracted player.
And while de Grandhomme has not requested any release from his contract, NZ Cricket has outlined it is working to find a solution.
"As it stands, Colin is a centrally contracted player and has not requested a release," it said. "We're now in discussions with Colin to find the best possible way forward."
De Grandhomme has been out of action for the Blackcaps since June, after injuring a heel in New Zealand's test defeat to England at Lord's.
The all-rounder subsequently missed the second and third tests against England, as well as the limited-overs tours of Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands and West Indies, and remains unavailable for the three-match Chappell-Hadlee series against Australia, starting next week.
Earlier this month, fellow Blackcap Trent Boult was granted a release from his central contract to pursue opportunities in domestic Twenty20 leagues and spend more time with family.
Boult was selected as the second overall pick of the BBL draft by Melbourne Stars, while fellow Kiwi Colin Munro was picked up by Brisbane Heat.
