England
& Wales Cricket Board (ECB) says there is confusion over Indian Cricket board's decision to ban counties fielding rebel Indian Cricket
League (ICL) players in Twenty20 Champions League later this summer.
ECB is seeking clarification on the issue from other participating
countries of Champions League. BCCI says England can take part in
Twenty20 Champions League on condition that counties will not include
ICL players in sides playing in championship to be held in India in
September.
BCC's stand, ECB sources feel is contrary to understanding between two Boards. It was agreed that ICL players will
be barred from Champions League, not counties.
BCCI though left ball in court of three participating nations - Australia,
South Africa & Pakistan - to reach a consensus on issue during
International Cricket Council's (ICC) meeting in Dubai next week.
"This is a venture between four countries and we are awaiting Australia to
come up with rules and regulations. We are expecting that to take place
next week in Dubai," an ECB spokesman was quoted as saying.
The finalists of ongoing Twenty20 Cup in England in August will qualify for
Champions League. But only three of 18 counties - Essex, Middlesex
& Somerset - do not have players who have signed ICL contracts and
it is more likely ECB will face a situation where they will have to
take a firm stand on whether to play or boycott it.
The likelihood is that two counties qualifying from England will have ICL
players, and if they are subsequently withdrawn from Champions League,
counties will face legal implications.
ICL lawyer Jeremy Roberts says legal action against ECB would be inevitable as "It would be a
restraint of trade." ECB could invite alternative counties to represent
England if leading ones insist on keeping "rebel" players.
countries of Champions League. BCCI says England can take part in
Twenty20 Champions League on condition that counties will not include
ICL players in sides playing in championship to be held in India in
September.
BCC's stand, ECB sources feel is contrary to understanding between two Boards. It was agreed that ICL players will
be barred from Champions League, not counties.
British media reported conflicting versions on Indian Board's decision. BCCI
secretary Niranjan Shah was quoted as saying that Pakistan had already
been invited to replace England and former BCCI president Inderjit
Singh Bindra, an influential member of IPL governing council said only
three countries are confirmed and Pakistan could be fourth if English
counties refuse to drop ICL players from their teams.
secretary Niranjan Shah was quoted as saying that Pakistan had already
been invited to replace England and former BCCI president Inderjit
Singh Bindra, an influential member of IPL governing council said only
three countries are confirmed and Pakistan could be fourth if English
counties refuse to drop ICL players from their teams.
BCCI though left ball in court of three participating nations - Australia,
South Africa & Pakistan - to reach a consensus on issue during
International Cricket Council's (ICC) meeting in Dubai next week.
"This is a venture between four countries and we are awaiting Australia to
come up with rules and regulations. We are expecting that to take place
next week in Dubai," an ECB spokesman was quoted as saying.
The finalists of ongoing Twenty20 Cup in England in August will qualify for
Champions League. But only three of 18 counties - Essex, Middlesex
& Somerset - do not have players who have signed ICL contracts and
it is more likely ECB will face a situation where they will have to
take a firm stand on whether to play or boycott it.
The likelihood is that two counties qualifying from England will have ICL
players, and if they are subsequently withdrawn from Champions League,
counties will face legal implications.
ICL lawyer Jeremy Roberts says legal action against ECB would be inevitable as "It would be a
restraint of trade." ECB could invite alternative counties to represent
England if leading ones insist on keeping "rebel" players.
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