Six Indians to play in Kiwi domestic event

Indian Test players have been given the go-ahead to play in the New Zealand State Championship after an agreement with the governing body and the NZ Players' Association.

WELLINGTON // Six of India's Test players have been given the go-ahead to play in the next two rounds of the New Zealand State Championship after an agreement was reached between New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association and the six provincial associations. The rounds which run from March 6-9, will see Rahul Dravid play for Canterbury against Central Districts - who will also have leg-break bowler Amit Mishra. Similarly. VVS Laxman will turn out for Otago and fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji will play for Wellington when those sides meet.

M Vijay and Dhawal Kulkarni will play in the match between Central and Wellington, though it is yet to be decided who will play in which team. Auckland and Northern Districts will have no Indian player involvement because they have ICL players Daryl Tuffey (for Auckland) and Hamish Marshall for (Northern Districts). "This means we're able to offer the incoming Indian players appropriate preparation in our conditions and also give our domestic sides an opportunity to play alongside some of the great names in Test cricket," said the NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan.

* PA Sport