PCB should not ban cricketers from playing in ICL: Intikhab

Coming out in support of the proposed Indian Cricket League (ICL), former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam has said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should not ban any player for playing in the league, as it is the right of every player to secure his future.

Lahore, Aug 13 : Coming out in support of the proposed Indian Cricket League (ICL), former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam has said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should not ban any player for playing in the league, as it is the right of every player to secure his future.

"There is no need of imposing ban on those cricketers who intend to play the ICL and the PCB should not stop any one from doing so," the Dawn quoted Alam, as saying.

"It is the same case like that of Kerry Packer circus in the 1970s and the people still remember all the boards had to accept the reality, and lift the ban on all players," he added.

He went on to say that the start of the ICL is "good for cricket." as it would provide more opportunities to the players to "earn money and to make their future bright."

Alam also expressed concern over late arrival of new coach Geoff Lawson.

"What is Geoff Lawson doing in Sydney? He should be here soon after the PCB appointed him as the new coach. Time is running short and I do not see Lawson's effective role in preparing the strategy for the World Championship in such a short time," he said.

He said that Lawson has to know the psyche of each player and the local cricket atmosphere with a "big handicap of communication problems," adding, "I think he will not get enough time to meet all the challenges in such a short time."

Lawson, who was appointed Pakistan coach in July, is scheduled to arrive on August 21, just 20 days before the start of the Twenty20 World Cup, to be played from September 11 to 24 in South Africa.

ANI