Cricket Scotland officials last week announced a new regional tournament featuring the country’s elite players.But it has emerged that the 50-over and Twenty20 contests to be launched next season will be supplemented by a “First Class” structure in 2011.Plans are at an advanced stage which will see teams from the three main geographical centres playing regular three-day matches.
The move is sure to impress ICC bosses and boost Scotland’s case in any future bid for Test status.
Cricket Scotland’s head of performance Andy Tennant said: “In effect what we are planning is a First Class tier of competition although it would not have that status. The ICC are keen to ensure that their associate members have a solid infrastructure in place on and off the park and we are always trying to improve.”
Ireland, recognised as the leading associate nation, recently stated their interest in gaining Test status.
But Tennant added: “We are constantly jockeying for position with the other associate countries and Ireland probably are in pole position having been successful for the last year or two.
“However, there are other ways you can set yourself up for sustained success and we believe a three-day compet-ition will greatly enhance our infrastructure.”
Only countries with full member status of the ICC can stage First Class cricket, but Scotland’s new tournament will be associate cricket’s equivalent.
Meanwhile, next summer’s development will see teams from the West, East and Caledonian regions go head-to-head for the first time since a previous District Compet-ition was scrapped a decade ago.
However, Tennant believes the new version will fill a “Black Hole” and help players develop into Saltires stars of the future.
He said: “This competition will provide a necessary stepping-stone from club cricket to senior representative level. It will also provide a safety net for players who previously might have slipped off our radar.
“There has always been a bit of a black hole where players who played for our U19s have disappeared from the scene because they weren’t ready to step up to senior level. Now they will be kept involved and given the necessary back-up to ensure they reach their full potential.”
