Strike bowler Nixon McLean will be back in Durban to play for the Dolphins next season.
The chief executive of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union, Cassim Docrat, made this announcement on Wednesday after weeks of doubt over whether the union would be able to afford the services of the St Vincent paceman.
"It's very nice to have your kingpin back," said a relieved and delighted coach Eldine Baptiste on Wednesday.
"There was never a question of Nixon not being happy to return; it was just a question of the money. But now that is sorted out, I'm very happy."
He added that McLean would be back in Durban on September 2 before the Dolphins' first Supersport Series match against Border starting on September 20.
Last season, McLean was the principle reason why the Dolphins won three trophies - the Standard Bank Cup (one-day) and the Supersport Series (four-day) as well as the Discovery Challenge Knockout. The right-arm pace bowler captured 44 first-class wickets at 16.13, the second highest wicket-taker behind Steve Elworthy who took 52. In addition, he took 15 wickets at 15.33 in the Standard Bank competition, finishing third in the log.
The union's annual meeting takes place on Friday evening.
- The KZNCU have appointed a marketing consultant, Bridget Ward, whose two main priorities next season will be the Dolphin brand and raising the profile of the Dolphins players within the community.
- There will be four lead-up games in KwaZulu-Natal before the start of the World Cup in February. The matches, all against KZN teams, will feature Bangladesh in Ladysmith on February 3 and at Kingsmead on February 5, and India at the Pietermaritzburg Oval on February 4 and at the Chatsworth Oval on February 6.
- Meanwhile, Jonty Rhodes has been elected president of the newly-formed South African Cricketers' Association, it was announced in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Senior players, representing all South Africa's provincial teams, met to adopt a constitution and elect office-bearers. Rhodes, a leading light in the move for a players' association, will have Free State paceman Victor Mpitsang as his vice-president.