Jesse Ryder to Play for Renegades in Big Bash League

File photo: Jesse Ryder has had a history of being involved in on and off-field controversies.

Troubled New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has signed to play for the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 cricket league.

Ryder is currently playing for Essex in the English county competition and will join Melbourne for four matches and the Big Bash finals from mid-January.

New Zealand Cricket has signed a no objection certificate which frees Ryder to play for Melbourne. His signing has also been approved by Otago province, for which he will play during New Zealand's domestic season.

Ryder hasn't been considered for New Zealand selection since being involved in a late-night drinking session on the eve of the first test against India last season.