Pakistan team manager Talat Ali has laughed off attempts by the Indian Cricket League
to rope in Pakistani cricketers, saying ICL was nothing more
than 'Micky Mouse' cricket and lacked potential to tempt quality players.
"I use this word because even if it is held it is not official or serious
cricket. It is a rebel series not involving countries and it would be more befitting
if it was held in Disneyland instead of in a Test playing nation," Ali said.
ICL's efforts to rope in Pakistani players would not see the
light of day, he claimed.
"I don't see this league tempting our players no matter what stage of
their career they are in," he said.
Reacting to ICL's claims that it has been launched to scout
talent, Ali said that was the responsibility of the respective cricket boards
and not of private entrepreneurs.
"Even if someone wants to do something privately for the
sport and young players they must have the blessings of the concerned cricket
authorities and an example of this is the MRF Pace Academy in India or Intikhab
Alam's academy in Muridke." But even as Ali came out with his strong statement
against ICL, concerns are growing in Pakistan cricket over senior players Abdul Razzaq
and Mohammad Yousuf failing to sign the new central contracts
offered by PCB.
Razzaq and Yousuf are said to be among the seven Pakistan players
who have been offered lucrative contracts by the ICL although Yousuf has denied
getting any such offer.
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