New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond is excited at the prospect of playing in front of 90,000 fans at the Kolkata Knight Riders' home ground after the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise paid over $US750,000 ($NZ1.015 million) at yesterday's player auction in Mumbai.
Kolkata beat the Deccan Chargers in a silent tie-breaker for Bond's services in the third edition of the competition which begins in March.
The silent bid amount exceeding the base price is not disclosed. The excess money - more than the franchisees limit of $US750,000 spending - goes to IPL and not the player.
Three other New Zealanders in the auction -- Grant Elliott, Lou Vincent and Nathan McCullum -- were passed over.
"The idea of playing at Eden Gardens, with 90,000 excited fans cheering me on, is overwhelming. I am also excited at the opportunity of playing alongside (New Zealand teammate) Brendon McCullum," Bond, 34, told the IPL website today.
"Having been to India myself a number of times, I know how fanatical the crowds are. I have enjoyed going to India and love their passion for cricket. I am looking forward to performing in front of the crowds there."
Bond, currently recovering from injury and out of the action during New Zealand's domestic T20 tournament, said he was "pretty relaxed" prior to the auction, a completely new experience for him that had left him awe-struck.
He retired from test cricket earlier this season after a stop-start international career interrupted by injuries.
"I believe that I was always a good test bowler. But unfortunately, I had to take this decision because it will help me play a bit longer.
"We have the world Twenty20 and the World Cup next year, two exciting tournaments which I definitely want to be a part of," he said.
Bidding for West Indies' Kieron Adrian Pollard also exceeded the IPL's $US750,000 ceiling last night. He was bought by the Mumbai Indians.
NZPA