Asif Iqbal terms ICL as Indian Confused League

Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal has termed Essel Groups Indian Cricket League (ICL) as Indian Confused League for vague planning and lack of clarity for its proposed tournament.

Dubai, Aug 28 : Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal has termed Essel Group's Indian Cricket League (ICL) as 'Indian Confused League' for vague planning and lack of clarity for its proposed tournament.

"Initially, they said they would organise a Twenty20 tournament. Now, they have said they may stage even three-day matches. Right now, they are an Indian Confused League," said Iqbal.

"The ICL should come out with a clear plan and not just go on signing up players. They should reveal their full programme and announce what they are going to do," the 64-year-old former all-rounder added.

Iqbal said the multi-million dollar league is a result of the feud between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Zee group over telecast rights.

"ICL is nothing but the product of a battle between the BCCI and Zee television. The cricket boards of other countries should not be affected by it and go on to ban its players who may play in the ICL," the Daily Times quoted Iqbal, as saying in a Gulf News report.

Commenting on the steps taken by some boards to stop their players from joining the league, he said players willing to play in the ICL should not be deprived of their right to represent their national team if found eligible.

"No cricket board should ban a player if he is eligible and available to play for his country. The ICL may not be an official cricket series, but the players will be playing cricket and no cricketer should be banned for having played the game," Iqbal said.

He added: "Most cricket boards allow their players to play for English county teams. The boards should take a similar stance if some of their players opt to play for ICL."

ANI