Lawson could play for Maharashtra

Jermaine Lawson, the West Indies fast bowler, appears set to represent Maharashtra as one of their overseas players in the upcoming Indian domestic season. Lawson has been in discussions with officials of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) and is expected to sign a formal contract soon.

"I am supposed to come there for the season," Lawson told The Times of India. "We have not signed anything, but hopefully very soon we should be finalising things. The first-class season in the West Indies is finished. If I go to another country, it will add to my experience."

Lawson's international career came to a halt after he was called twice for throwing, and the most recent instance was during a league match in Jamaica in April this year. He hasn't played Test cricket since the Brisbane Test against Australia in November 2005.

He trained at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai recently under the guidance of Dennis Lillee and TA Sekhar to remedy his action. Things started to develop from there.

"It was at this [MRF foundation] camp that the idea to play for Maharashtra first came up," he added. "A few officials met me. I saw the facilities at Pune. They were good. I even bowled at the Cadence Academy."

Maharashtra are interested in roping in overseas players and coaches. It started with the appointment of Australian Darren Holder as their coaching director last season. Darren Gough, the England fast bowler, was expected to play for Maharashtra this season and said recently that he would relish the opportunity to play in India and help out the youngsters should the opportunity arise.