DURHAM chief executive David Harker is hoping Durham’s presence in Abu Dhabi for a game against the MCC next year will help raise the club’s profile in the Middle East.

The English Cricket Board have confirmed the traditional season opener between the reigning county champions and an MCC side will take place abroad for the first time.

And, while Harker feels it is sad to break with tradition and move the game from Lord’s he is cautiously optimistic about what it could mean for Durham.

The Gulf states are keen to promote cricket and Durham’s arrival as English champions could lead to some lucrative commercial opportunities. Harker said: “It’s an interesting opportunity for us, although there are still a few things which need to be ironed out even though the match has been confirmed.

“We are excited about it because it is something new, but in some ways it is sad we won’t be playing the game at Lord’s because of all the history and tradition which is attached to it.

“However, we are going to a region which is looking to push sport and there are obviously potentially a lot of commercial opportunities for us if we can establish ourselves over there. It isn’t going to happen overnight, but as part of a long term strategy this could be very beneficial to us.”