Javagal Srinath signs with Gauteng

The Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB), South Africa, has announced that it has signed up Javagal Srinath to play for them next season. Srinath's contract will run from September 2003 to March 2004, and his role will include coaching young fast-bowling talent. A GCB spokesman said: "Srinath is a man of stature both on and off the field and will bring a wealth of knowledge to Gauteng cricket."

Srinath's stint with Gauteng coincides with a busy international calendar for the Indian team, with New Zealand touring for a Test series in October, and then India travelling to Australia in December to play four Tests and a triangular one-day tournament.

It is unclear if Srinath will be released from his contract with Gauteng to represent India. SK Nair, secretary of the Indian board (BCCI), stated that Srinath hadn't informed the board before accepting the offer to play with Gauteng. Srinath is currently representing Durham in the English county season.