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Law set to open talks

Graham Hardcastle
3/10/2008

STUART Law's advisors will open talks with Lancashire next week over the future of the Red Rose captain.

The Aussie, currently in India preparing for the new ICL season with the Chennai Superstars, is out of contract at Old Trafford but is keen to stay as skipper for one more year.

"I would love to come back," said Law, who turns 40 later this month. "Negotiations start between my people and (chief executive) Jim Cumbes next week. I want to play one more year. It would probably be a bit wrong to captain one year, and then stand aside.

Law got into hot water earlier this year after firing a stinging broadside at the club's committee for not informing him of the decision to release Dominic Cork, although he has since apologised.

And although Lancashire were relegated from the Pro40, had a battle against the drop in the County Championship and failed to qualify for the latter stages of the Friends Provident Trophy and Twenty20 Cup, Law says he enjoyed his first season in charge.

"I have loved this year," said the former Queensland skipper. "It has been an absolute privilege captaining Lancashire. It has been great on the field, but once I have got off the field it has been a bit of a headache.

"But now I really know what the job is all about. It is totally different to what it was in Queensland all those years ago. I will probably understand the role a lot better going into next year.

"I am keen to play one more year. Things may turn up in the meantime, which may not be that easy to turn away from. That is just life.

"At my time of life, I have got to start thinking about what is best for me and the family before anyone else. But if the opportunity is there for one more year, I will definitely be here."

It is still unclear whether Law's involvement in the ICL will have an impact on his future at Lancashire.

Bosses of the sanctioned Indian Premier League are adamant English counties with players linked to the ICL will not be allowed to compete in their multi-million pound Champions League.

Law is hopeful that should not be a problem. He said: "As far as I understand it, you had to sign a contract before a certain date, which I have done.

"Fingers crossed there are talks with the ICC and the ICL in London next week with hopes of getting it sanctioned. If that is the case, and it does become sanctioned, then we just become normal people instead of lepers."