17.9.2008

Dilhara Fernando, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, has been targeted as an overseas player for Baroda this Ranji season. "We’ve sent our terms and conditions to him and we should know in the next few days his decision," VS Indulkar, the Baroda Cricket Association secretary, told Cricinfo.

The news comes not long after Sunil Gavaskar, currently the chairman of the BCCI’s technical committee, expressed hope that the introduction of foreign players in Indian domestic cricket would make significant contributions to the application levels and attitudes of the teams across the country.

The Baroda management opted for Fernando because the local pitches are pace-friendly, said Indulkar.

Fernando, 29, returned to international cricket against India last month after recovering from a leg injury. He is currently with England county side Worcestershire as a replacement overseas player for the remainder of the season, but is expected to be free by the time the Ranji Trophy begins on November 3.

Baroda were semi-finalists in last year’s Ranji Trophy Super League.