MCC looks abroad as it signs Abu Dhabi deal

The MCC has signed a three-year deal with Abu Dhabi Cricket Club which could see the club play high-profile matches in the emirate.

Announcing the deal, MCC chief executive Keith Bradshaw said playing first-class matches outside England, possibly using them to trial using a pink ball, was just one option being considered.

"We're determined to organise some three or four-day cricket under lights using a pink ball and this is a good opportunity," he told the Daily Telegraph. "It's one of many options, and at an embryonic stage, but we think it would be good for the development of the game. Ideally we would like to hold a [trial] at Lord's but we have certain restrictions using the lights, so there is the possibility of scheduling the match overseas."

An ECB spokesman said the board was unaware of any such plans.

"[The deal] is a first for MCC in the Middle East region and gives us a tremendous opportunity to help develop cricketers throughout the region and closer to home," Bradshaw said. "Aspiring professionals from the MCC Universities and MCC Young Cricketers will specifically benefit from this joint venture as it will give them vital experience of playing and training abroad, helping them to make the transition to the first-class game."

The agreement will mean the Zayed ground will be renamed the Zayed MCC Cricket Academy.