Dravid will not be back with the Saltires in 2005

The Scotland squad arrive back on Wednesday from Sharjah, where they won the ICC Intercontinental Cup.

"Next season is the final year of the initial three-year agreement," explained Roddy Smith, chief executive of Cricket Scotland.

"I think the indications from our county colleagues are that they had enjoyed their trips up to Edinburgh."

Whether the Saltires could be involved in future Twenty20 games, who knows? Roddy Smith

English counties are still discussing a major shake-up of the county game for 2006.

One suggestion is reportedly to do away with the Totesport (National) League in favour of more Twenty20 matches and an expended C&G Trophy.

"It is the 18 counties who will decide on the future and they may want fewer National League games and more Twenty20 games for example," Smith added.

"Whether the Saltires could be involved in future Twenty20 games, who knows? We are at the behest of the English county teams."

Scotland beat county opposition on six occasions over the last two seasons, but finished bottom of the league both years.

Smith said the Scottish Saltires are likely to sign a single overseas professional for next season but that it would not be Rahul Dravid, who appeared in Edinburgh in 2003.