ICL Information

The quarter-final line-up of the Twenty20 Cup will be finalised this evening, with many teams staggering across the line as they frantically try to stay in the race for two prospective places in the Champions League and its £1 milion prize in October. The participation of English counties remains in doubt, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India maintains its opposition to any teams who include players who have taken part in the unauthorised Indian Cricket League.

But the prize fund of £2.5 million glimmers in the distance and the teams who reach this year’s quarter-finals will have worked hard to get there, having survived a sapping schedule of ten matches in 17 days that has tested the stamina of players and the pockets of spectators alike.

The consensus among counties seems to be that, although the public appetite for Twenty20 cricket remains strong, too many helpings have been squeezed into an overstuffed schedule. Each county has played two more matches than last season and, although crowd sizes have been healthy, the compression of fixtures into such a short timeframe seems to have passed its tipping point.

“There has been overkill this season,” David Harker, the Durham chief executive, said. “I don’t think we’re going to realise the potential of this competition by playing so many matches in a couple of weeks.”

The schedule could be tighter next season. With the ICC World Twenty20 scheduled to be held in England from June 5 to 21 — Zimbabwe-related issues permitting — the Twenty20 Cup’s usual place in the calendar will be taken by a higher-profile event. To avoid the domestic competition being eclipsed, it is likely to be played in two short blocks either side of the global tournament.

This season counties have found an increasing preference among spectators for their showpiece matches, often derbies played on a Friday evening. Midweek matches, in contrast, have proved difficult for many counties to sell this season. That may prove a problem for the quarter-finals, which will be held over three days starting a week on Monday. As one chief executive said yesterday: “We’re certainly exhausted from hosting five home matches in a couple of weeks, so goodness knows how the players are feeling.”

For Yorkshire’s crucial game against Nottinghamshire this evening, they will be without Michael Vaughan, who has been rested by the ECB to prepare for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa. Curiously, Vaughan was made available for last night’s abandoned game against Leicestershire, even though he had previously been rested on Tuesday against Durham, a situation that has baffled Darren Gough, the Yorkshire captain.

“I’ve no idea why he can’t play,” Gough said. “I could easily blow my temper and start questioning it, but England pay his wages and they run the show.”

Somerset, the 2005 champions, had their hopes of reaching the last eight thwarted by rain last night. They needed to beat Northamptonshire at Taunton but the weather curtailed the visiting team’s reply and the no-result was no help to Somerset.

source :http://www.timesonline.co.uk

Four of them are involved with the ICL; three others spent the better part of the IPL promoting the tournament on television and in their columns, in between going hoarse shouting about “DLF maximum sixes”; one of them is an active politician; a few others work as outspoken critics in different media outlets. Twenty-five years ago Kapil Dev knew little English and Roger Binny didn’t know Hindi, yet for six years they played together and shared precious little; Sunil Gavaskar couldn’t play an incorrect shot, Kris Srikkanth couldn’t play one that conformed; Sandeep Patil could not go to sleep at night because of extra-curricular activities, his room-mate Gavaskar was the epitome of discipline.

They are as diverse now as they were then, perhaps more so now. But it was most ironic that on the same day the BCCI felicitated the winners of World Cup 1983, it struck a low blow to Kapil and the ICL by barring English counties playing in the Champions League due to the ECB’s policy of letting ICL players play in their leagues. And this barely weeks after Kapil’s mural was removed from the PCA Stadium in Mohali.

Thus, as the evening began, a distinct feeling of discomfort engulfed the outsider: Kapil, of the ICL, and Gavaskar, one of the most influential men in the BCCI, sat next to each other as Sharad Pawar began his speech.

Thankfully, the BCCI got it right this time. Pawar’s speech finished in less than nine minutes and the stage was all Kapil’s. Put together in one room, irrespective of their differences, this motley crew became world champions again. Being champions is a force that will always define their lives and the bond of unshakable success allowed them, middle-aged today, to bask in the sunlight of their youth. Like boys, they reminisced and rejoiced India’s greatest achievement, and one that defined its cricket.

Their party had started half an hour before they even entered the function, in Kapil’s room, and would continue for hours after the ceremony was over. An emotional Kapil took over the microphone, and went on to give every one of his team-mates unique introductions. Teary-eyed and lumpy-throated, he poured his heart out in broken English and when really emotional, in Hindi. Some of the most heart-felt descriptions for his Devils had every one in the crowd - which included such greats as Ajit Wadekar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid - emoting, whether it was uproarious laughter or just goose-bumped awe.

The second man he called upon the stage was Dilip Vengsarkar, the “true Lord of Lord’s,” as Kapil referred to him. “When we were growing up he was Colonel, I don’t know what to call him now. The only title we can give him now is Lord,” said an emotional Kapil.

source : http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/355770.html

Karachi: The Pakistani players, who joined the Indian Cricket League, have given up their legal battle against the Pakistani authorities for banning them from domestic tournaments.

“Obviously we have to earn our livelihood from somewhere besides the ICL. And since we can’t play in Pakistan we will remain busy until September playing league cricket,” former Test opener Imran Farhat said.

He said the players had dropped the idea of filing a case against the PCB for banning them from domestic cricket. “We are confident a solution would be found to this ICL issue sooner or later and time does not remain the same all the time. It will change for us as well. We didn’t want to antagonise the establishment by going to court,” he said.

He indicated that some efforts were being made to normalise relations between the board and the ICL rebel players

news source : http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050556722000.htm

Shane Bond says he is angry with New Zealand Cricket’s handling of his involvement in the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL) and even if his ban is lifted he could easily choose to carry on playing for the cash. Bond was New Zealand’s premier fast bowler until January when he signed with the ICL - playing for the Delhi Giants - and he says his board misled him.

“I asked for permission from the New Zealand board to join the ICL,” Bond told the Guardian. “If they had said: ‘No, you can’t', then I’d be in the IPL now. But they actually said yes and so I signed my contract with the ICL. Then a little later they said: ‘No, you can’t go anymore.’ It was disappointing and I was pretty grumpy for a while.

“In the media it was made to look pretty much like I’d done a runner and that wasn’t the case. It’s not an ideal way to end your career and one of the more disappointing things for me is that no one even said: ‘It’s a shame you can’t play anymore but thanks for your contributions and good luck.’ It was just a case of, ‘Oh, he doesn’t want to play anymore so bugger off.’ That irritates me most.”

If Bond had, like some of the New Zealand players, appeared in the Indian Premier League then he would be eligible to play for his country in their current tour of England. Instead he joined the ICL, along with other former international team-mates whom Bond points out would challenge the current New Zealand team. “It’s a bad situation for New Zealand - and it’s not great for international cricket either.”

Bond has no regrets, however, about having taken the money the Indian league has to offer, and it may prove too attractive even if NZC come calling once more. “I’d have to play for years for New Zealand to earn the same amount of money, and play in every game,” he said. “The decision to go to India is a no-brainer. Even if the ban gets lifted I’ve still got to make the decision whether I want to play Test cricket again. I’ve got to the point where I’ve moved on and India has become my priority.”

At the same time, he would like to see the ICC take hold of the Twenty20 situation in India. “ICC have missed the boat,” Bond said. “They’ve stood back and waited to see what would happen. They should get hold of the situation and say this is how things will be run from now on. They should stamp their authority rather than just being dictated to - whether India like it or not.”

He warned of the danger facing international cricket with the attractive financial rewards in the Indian leagues. “Players are now seriously considering missing Test series and retiring early to take up these opportunities. The cricket authorities are either going to have to allow players to retire or put alternatives in place. It does need to get sorted out because you don’t want the game’s credibility taking a hit.”

He believes, however, that the oldest form of the game will survive and stand the test of time. “Test cricket is still the ultimate. Even going to a World Cup doesn’t compare to getting the creams on for a Test because it’s still the best form of cricket to play.”

In the meantime he is pulling on his whites at first-class level once more, with a stint for Hampshire.

news source : http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/newzealand/content/story/347862.html

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes one-day cricket will need to undergo some changes for it to survive in the wake of the rising popularity of the Twenty20 format.

Akram said he, at times, got bored watching 50-over matches in the middle stages and there was a definite need to bring about changes in the rules to revive one-day cricket and make it more exciting and watchable.

“Twenty20 cricket is gaining popularity because it is exciting and is aimed at the younger generation who want to watch high class sport in three to four hours,” Akram said.

“Twenty20 cricket is good for the future of the game, but at the same time it is not quality cricket. It is simply entertainment. And to protect the real competition like one-dayers or Test matches, the ICC needs to think about revolutionary rule changes.”

Akram said the idea of Test cricket under lights was not a bad one and could be worked out if given proper thought.

He said that the DLF-Indian Premier League (IPL) was a good idea but the credit for launching this sort of tournament should be given to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

“I think the Indian Board started working on the IPL after the ICL. I know this much that these events mean good money for players and will entertain the crowds, but they are also going to damage traditional cricket in the long run. How much only time will tell,” the former left-arm paceman said.

Akram said he was happy the players were being paid well.

“I think the Boards of different countries should also think about raising the pay packages of their players or else we will have a situation where players might opt to give preference to the private Twenty20 leagues,” he said. — PTI

news source : http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/23/stories/2008042355921700.htm

Tiruchirapalli (PTI): Indian Cricket League’s India XI team captain R Satish is hopeful that ICL would soon get recognition from the International Cricket Council.

There was not much difference between IPL and ICL as both were striving hard for patronage and development of the game. “Very soon ICL will get due recognition from the ICC,” Satish, who led the India XI team, told reporters here on Sunday.

He attributed the victory of ICL India XI against the highly experienced ICL Pakistan and World XI, led by Inzumam-Ul-Haq and Chris Cairns respectively, to the brilliant show of talented and determined youngsters, whose names were not so popular with the public.

Satish lauded his teammates — in particular Ibrahim, Khaleel, the wicketkeeper batsman, who was declared man-of-the series. Every player made best use of the opportunities given to them.

Australian coach Steve Rixon also helped the team, he said.

On ICL’s plans to set up academies across India to promote the game among the youth, he said he would strive hard to get one of the academies in the city.

Satish will leave for England in a couple of days to play in the Lankashire County Premier League Championship and would be playing for Whalley Cricket Club. He would spend about six months in the UK.

news source : http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200804211223.htm

INDIAN Cricket League boss Kapil Dev hopes to gain some goodwill in return for handing over the Twenty20 limelight to his India Premier League rival this week.

The premise of the ICL, says Dev, is “to provide opportunity” to young India players to rub shoulders with the best in the world.

However, India’s all powerful Board of Control for Cricket refuses to accept players can perform outside the confines of its authorised IPL competition.

Regardless, the rebel league has met its charter with an unheralded ICL side defeating the star studded World XI line-up by 10 runs in the final of the ICL World Series this week.

A 76-run opening stand in 9.5 overs by keeper Ibrahim Khaleel (34) and Ganapathi Vignesh (57) motored ICL India to 8/148 in 20 overs.

Former Australian batsman Damien Martyn’s brilliant 60 off 48 balls could only help the World XI reach 5/138.

Federation of International Cricketers Association chief executive Tim May saw nothing wrong with South Australia’s Matthew Elliot or Jason Gillespie playing in the ICL and assisting in the education of young Indian competitors.

“No governing body has yet satisfactorily explained to a player association why ICL is such a danger to cricket,” noted May.

Elliott was in fine form for the World XI in the series against the India and Pakistan XI’s. The veteran was man of the match against Pakistan scoring 26 off 22 balls and taking 3/17.

There’s plenty of life in the former Test opener yet.

Ultimately, the ICL club season wasn’t overly successful for Elliott and Dizzy’s club sides

Elliott’s Chandigarh Lions, came second last, triumphing in two matches. Gillespie’s Ahmedabad Rockets, faired worse finishing last - costly with each win in the league stage worth $70,000. Still, one expects “Herb” Elliott, “Dizzy” Gillespie and many young Indians will be richer for the experience.

news source : http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,23558610-5006372,00.html

Cricket legend Kapil Dev says he wants to add a London or Birmingham team to the rebel Indian Cricket League.

 Dev heads the ICL, the breakaway rival of the Indian Premier League.

“I would love to have a London team playing in the ICL or Birmingham or another city team,” Dev, India’s World Cup-winning captain, told BBC Sport.

“If I get a chance, if I have the money, I will definitely make one team from London or Birmingham. Give me the money and sponsor and I will do it.”

He added: “I would also love to see a team from South Africa, West Indies and Australia.”

Dev went on to reiterate his desire to sign England paceman Steve Harmison to the ICL.

The Durham bowler was dropped by England during the recent series against New Zealand and might not get a central contract when they are handed out by the England and Wales Cricket Board in September.

“Definitely, he would be most welcome,” said Dev.

The ICL is in its second season after being set up by Indian broadcaster ZeeTV in 2007.

It is not recognised by the International Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, or any of the other Test-playing nations.

The BCCI has set up its own Twenty20 league, the Indian Premier League, which kicks off in Bangalore on Friday.

Dev, who was named India’s cricketer of the century by Wisden in 2002, said he could not understand the hostility to the ICL.

The ECB had originally announced it would ban from county cricket for a season any players who competed in the ICL but has since abandoned such a decision.

Dev stated: “We always say anybody picked for ICL must first represent their country and come to play for us when they are free.

“We don’t want to spoil any country’s cricket. The aim of ICL is to give exposure to the young boys and people who have played enough cricket, like Brian Lara or Inzaman Ul Haq.

“If they share their time with the young upcoming guys, they can teach these young cricketers.

“That’s what our aim is and if we give the spectators thrilling cricket, everyone benefits from that.”

Dev says the aims of the ICL are analogous to those of county benefit matches.

“In England, you have benefit matches,” stated India’s 1984 World Cup-winning captain.

“We are saying that cricketers who have served their countries for 10 or 15 years can have a couple more years to benefit.

“The senior boys will pass on to the young cricketers what they have learned. Then we will see better cricket.

“I just want to ask the ECB one simple thing - am I doing something wrong by trying to promote cricket around the world?

“The ECB should send us a letter saying thank you. Let’s not be hypocritical.”

Dev said he would also encourage English players to join the rival IPL. They are the only international cricketers who have not been able to play in the competition this season.

“If they are free, they should go and play in the IPL,” added Dev.

“I would say ‘Please come and play and work out a better life. You must come and play in our country’.

“People from all around the world are coming to play in England, is that wrong? When we say we are coming and play in England, you people are happy.

“Nobody stops us, no board comes forward to say no. When cricket is being played in India, that’s also good.”

news source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7342737.stm

HYDERABAD DECCAN: ICL Indian XI defeating ICL World XI won the Indian Cricket League World Series here on Tuesday.

From the ICL World XI, Damien Martin scored 60 with ten fours and one six while Andrew Hall and Upul Chandana claimed two wickets each.

news source : http://www.geosuper.tv/news_detail.asp?id=11817

The ICL World booked their place in the final of the Indian Cricket League’s World Series Twenty20 competition by beating ICL Pakistanis by six wickets in Hyderabad on Monday.

The Chris Cairns-led World team will now face ICL India in Tuesday’s title clash.

Inzamam-ul-Haq won the toss but his team could manage only 113 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs.

In reply, ICL World achieved the target without much trouble and finished with 117 for four in 17.2 overs.

None of the Pakistani batsmen managed to play substantial innings with Imran Farhat [Images] (20) being the highest scorer. Inzamam himself could contribute only one.

The only reasonable partnerships in their effort were the stand of 33 between Taufeeq Umar [Images] and Farhat and the 22 runs put on by Humayun Farhat and Naved-ul-Hasan.

South African medium pacer Andrew Hall [Images] (3-22) and Australian part-time left-arm spinner Matthew Elliot (3-17) were the wreckers-in-chief for the World team.

Elliot was adjudged man of the match as he contributed 26 runs in 22 deliveries to the World’s opening partnership of 49 with fellow Aussie Ian Harvey (52 not out in 46 balls, 8×4).

The only time Pakistanis looked to be getting back in the match was when Riaz Afridi claimed two wickets in an over twice.

He scalped Elliot and New Zealander Lou Vincent in his first over and came back to dismiss Australian Damien Martyn (21) and Sri Lankan Upul Chandana (0) to finish with impressive figures of 4-14 from his four overs.
news source : http://inhome.rediff.com/cricket/2008/apr/15icl.htm