| MUMBAI:
In a surprising turnaround, the Board Of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) has
allowed players from the Indian Cricket League (ICL) back into its fold if they
cut off links with the rebel league. BCCI
president Shashank Manohar says that the decision was taken after some ICL players
met BCCI members and admitted that they had made a mistake by joining the ICL. Manohar,
though, adds that the players cannot play international cricket for a year after
they quit the ICL. However they can immediately start playing in domestic competitions
like the Ranji Trophy. The grace period for players to leave the ICL is 31 May
2009. The BCCI's earlier stance was to ban ICL affiliated players. ICL
business head Himanshu Mody says “Taking forward its Sports Performance Evaluation
(SPE) process across all cricket operations, the ICL management has decided not
to renew the contracts of some of the ICL players and support staff that have
expired. As cricket professionals they are free to decide and explore their options.”
Earlier
this month, the International Cricket Council (ICC) had refused
to give the ICL recognition. The Pakistan Cricket Board has
not made a final decision regarding its players who have signed
up with the ICL.
Also
Read:
ICC
rejects application to recognise ICL
ICC
to convene meeting with ICL, BCCI on 21 Feb
ICL
season 3 sticks to schedule
| 
