Scottish Cricket secures £1m boost from ICC

The governing body will receive £1 million over the next three years under the ICC’s Targeted Assistance and Performance Programme (TAPP).

“We are grateful to the ICC for this enhanced support to improve our domestic structures and to have more international fixtures,” said Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith. “It is all geared towards making us  competitive on the world stage.”

It is understood some of the additional cash will help fund two elite regional teams who will compete in a new European League from next year.

Meanwhile, Gordon Drummond wants his side to take a leaf out of Afghanistan’s book during their four-day clash in Abu Dhabi. The Afghans hold a psychological advantage after beating Scotland twice in both T20 and 50-over formats last week. But the Saltires are still two points ahead of Afghanistan in the eight-team I-Cup table and need at least a winning draw to stay on course for a place in the final.

Skipper Drummond said: “The difference in last week’s games wasn’t so much about ability or tactics but in the mental approach. When the Afghans play they are utterly fearless in everything they do and it often pays off for them.”