MUMBAI: Former Australian Test cricketer Darren Lehmann is South Australia’s official special envoy to India. South Australia Premier Mike Rann announced the appointment a few days ago at the launch of the South Australian chapter of the Australia India Business Council (AIBC).

Premier Rann says that Darren’s profile in India as a recognised cricketer would be of enormous value to the State's relationship with India. The AIBC and its chairman Brian Hayes will work closely with Darren and the State Government on a range of India activities.

As far as film and television is concerned more than $2 million worth of production work for Indian feature films and television commercials is the subject of bids by South Australian creative companies. This is the result of the State’s presence at Frames 2005.

The South Australian Government states that it was able to use the event to great advantage – through the SAFC and DTED - to attract some of the top 25 Bollywood film producers to attend and learn about South Australia's film capability. Mason Films manager Mason Curtis along with Anupam Sharma of Films and Casting Temple had represented the South Australian industry at Frames. They say that some of the Indian producers have expressed their interest in visiting South Australia.

Meanwhile Lehmann will support local businesses looking to export to India, encourage investment by Indian companies into South Australia and promote South Australia and India as mutual tourist destinations. He will promote education opportunities in South Australia for Indian students and work on increasing the numbers of Indian business and skilled migrants. The former batsman will also accompany trade missions to India.

South Australia is also looking at the possibility of organising a celebrity cricket match between South Australia and India.