Australian legends Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are set to renew
their rivalry with West Indian batting genius Brian Lara after having all
but agreed to play in the Indian Cricket League.
"They are on the verge of signing the contracts. The discussions are in the
final stages," Kapil Dev, India's 1983 World Cup winning captain and
Chairman of the ICL, said today.
Lara on Monday became the first high-profile overseas cricketer
to sign up with ICL, launched by media tycoon Subhas Chandra-owned Essel Group
without the approval of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).
Dev said the ICL would shortly announce the full list of teams
and players lined up for the rebel league which is to be played in the Twenty-20
format.
He also brushed aside the BCCI's threat to not allow ICL the
use of infrastructure owned by any of its affiliates.
"We have no problems. We will soon make an official announcement
with all the details," Dev said.
Meanwhile, Warne himself has expressed keenness to play in
the ICL.
"Playing cricket in India is always an experience.
That is one reason why I am keen to take part in the new League in October and
November ... If the whole package is right, then I will be out there,"
Warne wrote in London's 'Times' today.
"Brian Lara has committed to it and I have been speaking
to him and a few other players.
"I know that I will miss the game during the winter ...
This is ideal at roughly three weeks long. People the world over are turning
to Twenty-20 for a quick fix of cricket and they will love the spectacle in
India."
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