Warne, McGrath may feature in Indian Cricket League: Paper

Zee Telefilms Ltd. might have denied signing some big present and former international cricketers for its Indian Cricket League (ICL), but media reports in Australia have suggested that the recently retired Aussie bowling duo of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne would be seen in action when the league takes off.

Sydney/New Delhi, May 14 : Zee Telefilms Ltd. might have denied signing some big present and former international cricketers for its Indian Cricket League (ICL), but media reports in Australia have suggested that the recently retired Aussie bowling duo of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne would be seen in action when the league takes off.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the "parallels are evident" despite the denial and the ICL is hopeful of luring both Indian and overseas players with big-money contracts for a made-for-television Twenty20 tournament.

It says the parallel league has surfaced due to apparent player disenchantment "with the game's administrators and deterred by the exorbitant cost of televising ICC-sanctioned matches".

The ICL is likely to kick off shortly after the ICC Twenty20 World Cup to be played in South Africa in September this year, with prize money of over one million dollars.

However, the paper quotes McGrath's agent, Warren Craig, as saying that he is unaware of any such participation.

ICL organisers have so far rubbished reports that Warne, McGrath, Pakistan's Inzamam-ul-Haq, and West Indian batting great Brian Lara have been signed up for the league, saying "this is all false news," and that they have not signed anyone on as yet.

ANI