More Defections to the ICL

[mas cambios]

More Defections to the ICL

ight Pakistani players, including fast bowlers Mohammad Sami and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, have signed up to play in the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL).

All eight players have represented Pakistan at the international level. Sami, Naved-ul-Hasan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Humayun Farhat, Shahid Nazir, Hasan Raza, Imran Nazir and Riaz Afridi will now join six other Pakistan players who are already part of the league.

The Pakistan board, meanwhile, showed no sign of softening their stance towards players moving to the league. "Our domestic teams and players are like a family for us and we have worked for their welfare and betterment," said Zakir Khan, director operations PCB.

"Players are given salaries and retainers at domestic level now. If after all this these guys want to join the ICL, we wish them well and good luck. Our stance remains the same still [barred from selection for Pakistan and domestic cricket]. A number of these players are in the twilight of their careers anyway."

From Cricinfo

I guess that there are no real surprises in that one except for maybe Sami. Even though he has the worst average of any bowler to take 50 wickets he had promise (well, he certainly did when he came onto the scene). Naved-ul-Hasan was always messed around by the PCB so he had nothing to lose really.

As for the rest, no big loss to Pakistan but they have certainly curtailed any international hopes, especially as the PCB have refused to soften their hardline approach to the ICL.

 

[Virendersingh.berthwal]

Re: More Defections to the ICL

Exactly.
At least they an option to play cricket in different condition,against different teams and a different format as well.
It will be a good payscale alongwith it.

 

[mas cambios]

Re: More Defections to the ICL

I think the other benefit is that it's closer to home for them, they know the weather, food, culture etc. Not like having to play in England or elsewhere.