I may not return for IPL next year - McGrath

Glenn McGrath has expressed his disappointment at not being given a chance by the Delhi Daredevils to prove his fitness during this season's IPL. He is contracted with Delhi next year as well, but McGrath hinted that he may not return for the 2010 season.

The 39-year-old McGrath, who retired after the 2007 World Cup, played almost every game for Delhi in the inaugural IPL and was among the stand-out bowlers in that tournament. However, with Victoria fast bowler Dirk Nannes being outstanding this season, and the Indian pace contingent of Ashish Nehra, Pradeep Sangwan and Aavishkar Salvi performing consistently, McGrath has been on the sidelines this year.

"It has been hard to be a part of the bench, and I was hoping for a game during the league stage," he wrote in his column in the Hindustan Times. "I have asked a couple of people about why I was not being played, and I get the sense that they were worried about my fitness. I feel fitter than I did last year, but I guess I will not get a chance to prove that now."

McGrath, who was signed by Delhi for US$350,000, went on to suggest that he may not be back for the next season. "I am contracted for another year with Delhi, but that is a long way away. Right now, I would not bet on myself returning."

However, at a press conference on Friday before the semi-final between Delhi and Deccan Chargers, McGrath clarified that he had not ruled out returning next year. "I have read somewhere myself," he said. "But I don't remember saying anything like that."