A 23-year-old Indian businessman Tuesday said he would sell one of his kidneys to anyone who needed a transplant in order to afford travel to the cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.

Tarun Sharma even repeated threats made to several national newspapers to kill himself if he did not find takers for one of his two kidneys as the World Cup got underway in the Caribbean on Sunday.

"If no arrangement is made then I will jump in the river to end my life," Sharma told AFP by phone from his home in eastern Jamshedpur city.

Kidney donations are allowed only between relatives in India, but there have been repeated incidents of people selling their kidneys to earn money.

"These laws only prevent people from chasing their dreams," Sharma said. "I am sure that India will win the World Cup. What can be more satisfying for a fan (than) to see his country win the World Cup?"

Police said they were keeping a watch on the man to make sure he did not kill himself.

Sharma earns around 3,000 rupees (68 dollars) a month

Travel agents said that an eight-night tour to the Caribbean was available for 250,000 rupees. The cost is exorbitant for many in India, where annual income is around 800 dollars.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)