The newly formed Indian Cricket League (ICL) is trying its best to rope in former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq. The unofficial league powered by the money of India’s Essel Group, the parent company of Zee television network is going to host a Twenty20 annual event in India beginning later this year.
Casting aside all steps to sabotage it by the BCCI, the ICL with its basket full of coffers is on its spree to ensure participation of some cricket greats to give a much-needed media publicity to its proposed events. Indian cricket aces like Kapil Dev, Madan Lal and Balwinder Sandhu have already been roped in. Brian Lara, the leading run-scorer in test cricket and one of the most favored faces of present day sports has already given his assent to join the ICL. Negotiations are on with retired Australian cricket stars like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
Inzamam-ul-Haq is set to join the ICL after the preliminary talks being finalized. He himself confirmed this at his home in Multan and looks certain to play in the league games. Inzamam looks at this opportunity as a chance to prolong his cricket career and continue his prodigy in test cricket after having retired from one-day internationals.
The ICL championship is intended to bring young players in India disenchanted with favoritism and nepotism of BCCI to play alongside cricket greats like Inzamam and make cricket a career. The cricketers on their verge of retirement also see the offer as money spinning as well as giving a lasting fame to their career. But, the ICL is yet to finalize on the venues and the BCCI affiliated organizations look at the league with prejudice. Lets hope another Kerry Parker series and more success to cricket.
Via: BBC
