NOTTINGHAM, England, Friday _ Nottinghamshire signed up Chris Cairns on a new two-year contract on Thursday _ despite knowing that international commitments may keep the Kiwi star away for lengthy periods. All-rounder Cairns is anxious to kick-start his international career and could be called on for a one-day tournament in India in May next year and a possible two-month tour of Sri Lanka the following summer.
Notts expect 26-year-old Cairns to be absent for no more than 21 days for the Indian tournament, and have the option of seeking an overseas replacement in 1998 if the proposed Sri Lanka trip gets the go-ahead.
Stuart Foster, Nottinghamshire's cricket committee chairman, said: ''We have tried to be fair to all parties concerned and feel we have achieved that with this arrangement.
''We are delighted Chris has committed himself to a further two years, but understand his priority at his age is to New Zealand cricket.''
Cairns said: ''My association with Notts goes back to 1988 and I regard Trent Bridge as my second home. I hope my international commitments will not keep me away for too long.''