The New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori says he would welcome fast bowler Shane Bond back into the team as soon his availability is confirmed.
Bond, who turned 34 last week, signed for the unofficial Indian Cricket League last year and was banned from international cricket.
The ICL has now said its contracted players are free to opt out of their agreements and last week Pakistan called up all-rounder Abdul Razzaq into their Twenty20 World Cup side to replace an injured player.
Bond's return would significantly strengthen the Black Caps as he remains their fastest bowler and has claimed 79 wickets in his 17 tests at an average of just 22.39.
Vettori says Bond will become available probably after the Twenty20 World Cup and he'd love to have him back.
