Cricket News In Brief (22 Feb 1997)

22 February 1997

Cricket News In Brief

GLOUCESTERSHIRE have lined up Australian all-rounder Shaun Young as their overseas player for the forthcoming season. The Tasmanian will replace West Indies captain Courtney Walsh, whose Test commitments against India and Sri Lanka meant he would have been unavailable until late June.

Young, 26, who broke into the Tasmania side seven years ago, has scored more than 4,000 Sheffield Shield runs at an average of 45, and captured 170 wickets. He is also an outstanding slip fielder.

Walsh will return for his benefit year in 1998, but Gloucestershire have still to decide who will captain the side this season. Jack Russell is likely to have first refusal on the job.

Counties are still optimistic that their overseas players will be available from the end of April, despite confirmation yesterday that Pakistan are to take part in a one-day tournament in India from May 9-28.

Pakistan have said they will let players make their own decision on availability for the four-nation tournament, which marks the 50th anniversary of India`s independence from Britain.

Leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has indicated to Somerset that he will play for Pakistan in the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka, but return to England in time to meet his compatriot and great friend Waqar Younis in a Benson and Hedges Cup match against Glamorgan on April 30.

Lancashire and Northamptonshire will also hope to have Wasim Akram and Mohammad Akram on board for the early stages of the season.

Jagmohan Dalmiya, secretary of the Indian Board of Control, said yesterday he would take legal action if "irregular" means were used to prevent his election as chairman of the Internation- al Cricket Council in June.

Dalmiya claims he was denied the post last year despite enjoying majority support among the nine Test-playing countries and the ICC`s 22 associate members. England and Australia opposed Dalmiya`s election, saying the chairman-elect should be supported by at least six of the nine Test-playing nations.

Dalmiya said: "The Indian board will not hesitate to take legal action if irregular means are used to prevent my election."

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)