The hectic international schedule and financial issues are preventing organisers
of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) from completing the process of signing
players for their inaugural competition slated in October, according to a former
Pakistan captain.
The ex-skipper, who has been approached by the organisers to play in the ICL but
is still negotiating terms with them, said that several factors were stopping
players from signing contracts.
"They want players to be available for them for 45 days and the money
they are offering to some (not the top stars) is not enough. Secondly, some
players are under pressure from their cricket boards to not sign contracts for
the league and some are facing time hassles because of the hectic international
schedule," he said.
The ICL, floated by Essel Group that controls India's biggest
media firm Zee Telefilms, is planning a Twenty20 tournament.
The BCCI has refused to endorse the ICL and warned its state
affiliates and players of sanctions if they get associated with it.
However, the organisers have signed former West Indies
skipper Brian Lara and are negotiating with Australian bowling greats
Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, New Zealand's Stephen Fleming and
former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.
The Pakistani player (not Inzamam) said the organisers had
approached some players who are contracted to the Lashings club in England,
but other than New Zealand allrounder Chris Cairns, no one has signed any contract.
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