London: India's batting star Rahul Dravid could be playing in England's One-day league this summer if Scotland can afford his fees, a British newspaper reported on Thursday. The Scots are set to make their debut in the competition and wanted a big name to help them make an impact and pull in the crowds, the 'Times' said. The Scottish Cricket Limited (SCL) turned to Dravid and had talks with the stylish batsman in Durban, South Africa on Wednesday, a day ahead of India's World Cup semi- final against Kenya. "He wants to get married after the World Cup and has no interest in playing county cricket again because it is too demanding," the newspaper quoted SCL chief executive Gwynne Jones as saying. "But he said he is very keen to play for us, provided we can come closer to the payment he wants." Money is a major issue for Scotland, who have so far been unable to attract a sponsor for the team and have to rely on a 104,000 Pound grant from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Dravid, 30, is one of the top batsmen in world cricket, having scored 6,451 runs in One-day Internationals before Thursday's semi-final and 5,614 runs in Tests. The Indian vice-captain has plenty of previous experience of English conditions, having toured with India and played county cricket for Kent. Scotland has been admitted to the One-day league on a three-year trial basis. They will also take part in the new graded World Cup qualifying competition for non- Test nations, starting with a tournament in Kenya in September.
Copyright AFP 2001
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