DNA

MUMBAI, Aug 6: The war of words between the Indian cricket board and the Indian Cricket League has intensified. A day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials talked of a ‘life ban’ and ‘stopping retirement benefits of the players’, ICL officials reacted by saying that nothing can stop them from going ahead with the league.

Stating that the BCCI is a private body with no rights to issue such directions, Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra said: “BCCI is nobody to give such directions. It is a private body. The ICL will be a reality, and the people will come to watch the matches.”

Former India captain Kapil Dev upped the ante further by taking digs at both BCCI president Sharad Pawar and secretary Niranjan Shah. Reacting to Pawar’s comments that the former India skipper was not giving enough time to the National Cricket Academy, (of which he is chairman), Kapil, who is also chairman of the ICL’s executive board, questioned the commitment of the board president to cricket in return. “He (Pawar) is a very senior politician. He is also in charge of an important ministry, so does he have the time for cricket? I could say about him what he says about me,” Kapil told a television channel.

About secretary Niranjan Shah’s comments that players taking part in the league could face a life ban, Kapil said: “I am disappointed. They are trying to scare away players, when people of the country want more cricket. It is not fair for the BCCI secretary to say something like this.”

Kapil defended the ICL against allegations that it would be reduced to a ‘veterans’ tournament’.

He said: “Do you mean to say that Brian Lara and [Sanath] Jayasuriya are finished? They still have substance enough to inspire youngsters. I would want to share the dressing room with these players. If they are around, youngsters can learn from them.”

Meanwhile Gaurav Seth, another ICL official, said Pawar and Shah’s comments were uncalled for. “The ICL is not a threat to the BCCI. It’s also for the promotion of cricket in the country. It is strange that the BCCI sees us as a threat to its existence.” 

He added, “By bringing international stars like Brian Lara, we are providing a platform for youngsters in the country to learn from the greats of the game. The ICL is a golden opportunity for Indian cricketers to improve their standards. Sadly, the BCCI thinks otherwise.”

He informed that all the players it has signed on, are committed to the league. “We have total commitment from these players, and the league will begin as per schedule, in the last quarter of the year. We are going to announce new signings next week.”