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MUMBAI:
Even as the BCCI gears up for the launch of IPL, the Essel
Group’s Indian Cricket League (ICL) continues to lure
players from other countries especially Pakistan with lucrative
deals. It has signed deals with 10 Pakistani players including
fast bowler Mohammed Sami and spinners Saqlain Mushtaq and
Mushtaq Ahmed.
Also
joining is former test player Humayun Farhat and opening batsman
Imaran Nazir.
The
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it will not soften
its stand towards those who join the ICL. Already present
in the ICL are Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imran Farhat, Abdul Razzaq,
Shabbir Ahmed, Taufiq Umar and Azhar Mahmood. The PCB has
banned these six players but this does not seem to have deterred
others.
PCB
director (Cricket Operations) Zakir Khan has been quoted in
reports as saying that players who wanted to play for the
ICL were welcome to do so but they would have to face the
ban.
The
Board is doing everything to increase the financial rewards
and incentives for the national and domestic players. He adds
that Pakistan will start a Premier League of its own. He also
notes that most of the players who had signed up for the ICL
were in the twilight of their careers and their unavailability
would not affect Pakistan cricket.
Meanwhile
New Zealander Andre Adams has also joined ICL. Chris Cairns
already plays in the league. Pace bowler Shane Bond is another
star attraction the ICL recently nabbed.
The
ICL had kicked off last year with an event in November –December.
This year the format will be expanded upon and there will
be more events.
Also
Read
ICL
to organise five tournaments in 2008
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