Batsman Jesse Ryder simply wasn't worth the risk, says New Zealand Cricket's national selection manager Bruce Edgar.
Ryder hasn't been named in the 30-strong New Zealand squad for this summer's World Cup.
He last played for New Zealand in January this year and continues to struggle with off field issues.
Otago's Jesse Ryder. Photo: Photosport
The selectors had wanted to take part in the current New Zealand 'A' tour of the United Arab Emirates to see whether he was ready to return to international play but he withdrew due to personal reasons.
"Really we wanted Jesse on the A tour of the UAE for us to get lots of information about him in terms of his performances (on and off the field) and when he withdrew from that Mike (Hesson) and I had a discussion and we just don't have enough conviction in selecting him at this point."
Edgar says they did consider if it was worth the risk in naming him though.
"We just thought the risks were too great. The other players we've been able to see them on the 'A' tour, or the Test tour...and on balance we just thought the risks were too high so we've left him out of the 30," said Edgar.
Bruce Edgar and Black Caps coach Mike Hesson - Ryder not worth the risk. Photo: Photosport
Countries have to finalise their 15 member squads for the World Cup by January 7th.
The Northern Knights provide the heaviest representation in the 30-man squad with eight players, followed by the Auckland Aces and Canterbury with six apiece, the Otago Volts with four; and the Wellington Firebirds and the Central Stags - each with three.
Preliminary New Zealand Cricket World Cup squad:
Corey Anderson (Northern Knights
Hamish Bennett (Canterbury)
Trent Boult (Northern Knights)
Doug Bracewell (Central Stags)
Neil Broom (Canterbury)
Dean Brownlie (Northern Knights)
Colin de Grandhomme (Auckland Aces)
Anton Devcich (Northern Knights)
Grant Elliot (Wellington Firebirds)
Andrew Ellis (Canterbury)
James Franklin (Wellington Firebirds)
Martin Guptill (Auckland Aces)
Matt Henry (Canterbury)
Roneel Hira (Canterbury)
Tom Latham (Canterbury)
Mitchell McClenaghan (Auckland Aces)
Brendon McCullum (Otago Volts)
Nathan McCullum (Otago Volts)
Kyle Mills (Auckland Aces)
Adam Milne (Central Stags)
Colin Munro (Auckland Aces)
James Neesham (Otago Volts)
Rob Nicol (Auckland Aces)
Luke Ronchi (Wellington Firebirds)
Hamish Rutherford (Otago Volts)
Tim Southee (Northern Knights)
Ross Taylor (Central Stags)
Daniel Vettori (Northern Knights)
BJ Watling (Northern Knights)
Kane Williamson (Northern Knights)