Fleming to play for Wellington in T20 campaign

New Zealand cricket stalwart Stephen Fleming will be playing for “Wellington Firebirds” in the State Twenty20 tournament in the coming year.

The former New Zealand captain informed that between his commitments with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, he will also feature for the domestic team Firebirds for the 2008/09 season.

“In addition to my continuing involvement in the IPL tournament in India over the next two years, I am thrilled at the prospect of being part of the successful Firebirds team in the upcoming domestic Twenty20 competition," he said in a statement on the team’s official website.

Fleming further indicated that the Firebirds are a potential team to lift the title.

"I firmly believe that we have what it takes to win this competition. It’s an added incentive for us because the winner of this competition potentially qualifies for the lucrative Champions League Twenty20 competition in late 2009,” said the veteran, who retired from international cricket earlier this year and is also a board member of the Firebirds.

“It’s an exciting challenge, and I look forward to playing a leading role for the Firebirds this summer,” said an enthusiastic Fleming.

Cricket Wellington Chief Executive Gavin Larsen added: “Stephen’s experience and ability will be precious to the Firebirds’ State Twenty20 campaign.”