'We'd welcome Warne with open arms'
Friday, 24 August 2007
BERLIN, Aug 23: Australian spin legend Shane Warne would be a welcome guest of Germany's cricket team whether or not he decides to apply for a German passport, says the national side's coach.
Warne (37) is investigating whether he qualifies for a passport through his German-born mother, Brigitte, so he can play English county cricket as a non-overseas player.
But Keith Thompson, the Scottish-born coach of Germany's cricket team, says his side would welcome him with open arms as a player, publicity stunt or just a visitor.
"I was surprised when I heard he had a German mother and was looking into getting a German passport, it's hilarious really," Thompson told the AFP.
Warne retired from international cricket in January 2007 after Australia's 5-0 Ashes win over England and under ICC rules a player can only play for any other country after a four year gap and following a strict criteria.
Having taken a record 708 wickets in 145 Test matches, Warne would have to wait four years and spend some time living in Germany, if he were to qualify for the German team.
His manager James Erskine has said Warne will not renounce his Australian citizenship to obtain a German passport, but Thompson says the Germans will approach Warne to see if he would help them in any way.
Warne has played for Hampshire since 2000. English county sides are currently allowed to have two overseas players, but that will be reduced to one next year.
Players holding European Union passports do not count towards the quota, but Thompson says it would be an incredible coup to have Test cricket's top wicket-taker in his side.
Warne (37) is investigating whether he qualifies for a passport through his German-born mother, Brigitte, so he can play English county cricket as a non-overseas player.
But Keith Thompson, the Scottish-born coach of Germany's cricket team, says his side would welcome him with open arms as a player, publicity stunt or just a visitor.
"I was surprised when I heard he had a German mother and was looking into getting a German passport, it's hilarious really," Thompson told the AFP.
Warne retired from international cricket in January 2007 after Australia's 5-0 Ashes win over England and under ICC rules a player can only play for any other country after a four year gap and following a strict criteria.
Having taken a record 708 wickets in 145 Test matches, Warne would have to wait four years and spend some time living in Germany, if he were to qualify for the German team.
His manager James Erskine has said Warne will not renounce his Australian citizenship to obtain a German passport, but Thompson says the Germans will approach Warne to see if he would help them in any way.
Warne has played for Hampshire since 2000. English county sides are currently allowed to have two overseas players, but that will be reduced to one next year.
Players holding European Union passports do not count towards the quota, but Thompson says it would be an incredible coup to have Test cricket's top wicket-taker in his side.