Scotland coach warns of financial danger

Scotland coach Pete Steindl says his team are in desperate need of a cash boost if they are to avoid being overtaken by their rivals.

Scotland missed out on a potential $60,000 when they lost the final of the Intercontinental Cup to Afghanistan in December last year and though they were able to add a fourth full-time professional - Matthew Parker - to their ranks, Steindl is worried about the future.

Cricket Scotland have been unable to attract a major new backer since the withdrawal of Lloyds TSB almost two years ago and Steindl thinks that if the financial concerns are not sorted out soon it will become impossible for the team to improve.

"We have done well to maintain all our development programmes and match schedules," he told the Daily Record. "But we have reached a threshold and there is no room for manoeuvre.

"Even if you stand still in sport you go backwards in real terms. We need more financial security to take things to the next level. It's great to get a fourth professional but we need more. Ireland and Afghanistan are virtually fully pro, as are Kenya - and Canada have about eight full-timers. We have to make sure we can compete."

Scotland are next in action in the CB40 campaign, having failed to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.