By Jon Steer
March 28 2003

Despite a new £50000 grant from the ICC, Scotland's ability to fulfill its National League fixtures, which start against Durham at the riverside on 4th May, is in doubt after lottery funding of over £60000 has been withdrawn. The Scottish Cricket Union was due to get £66000 from the talented athletes programme of Sport Scotland. Due to tightening of their budgets caused by a drop in lottery revenue Scotland had to guarantee that they would reach the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup in order to qualify for the grant.

After this winter's World Cup mess how any team can guarantee a semi final place is a mystery! The SCU are appealing against the decision but with no team sponsor and no sponsor for the league their position is looking increasingly difficult.

The ICC have provided some hope with a new £50,000 grant but Scottish officials have still not ruled out the possibility that Scotland will be forced to pull out of its National League fixtures.

Scotland's inclusion in the National League on a three year trial basis was seen as a fundamental part of the Scottish Cricket Union's campaign to develop the game in Scotland. Scotland have taken part in knock-out championships before but this step up to a full season of 18 games would be a big step forward.