JOE Scuderi may be ordered to wait until 2002 before he can turn out for Lancashire.

The Colne professional is currently awaiting a decision from Lord's on whether or not he can play for Lancashire. And, if the ECB decide not to change their stance on eligibilty, then Scuderi will consider launching a legal bid to play county cricket.

Scuderi's case has similarities with that of former East Lancs professional Billy Stelling, who is currently playing for Rawtenstall and has also contacted Lord's about signing for Leicestershire next season. Although he was born in South Africa, he holds a Dutch passport and has been playing for Leicestershire's second XI this season.

At the moment, European citizens can't play for a county until four years after their last first class game. Scuderi's last first class outing was as 12th man for South Australia last year, which means he would not be eligible for another three years.

"I should be allowed to play cricket anywhere in Europe because I'm a European citizen," said Scuderi. "If I was working as an accountant in Italy and I wanted to come over to England and work then they wouldn't tell me to wait four years.

"So why do I have to because I want to play cricket? The whole situation is farcical."

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