We’ll oppose move to ban ICL players: Lehmann

Darren Lehmann is a powerful voice in Australian cricket. He tells Vijay Tagore that the Australian Cricketers Association, of which he is the president, will fight for CA’s recognition of the ICL too

Will you also be playing in India?
I cannot say at this stage but I’m keeping my options open.

The CA seems to be worried about the IPL. What is the players’ stand?
The Australian Cricketers’ Association welcomes both ICL and IPL. Both are good for the game and the players. We’re happy that there are options for the players.

But the CA, BCCI and ICC are talking of banning players from taking part in the ICL.
We’ll oppose that move. The ACA will make sure the ICL gets recognition. No player should be victimized for playing in either league. Both the leagues should work in harmony.

Some ICL players playing are facing the heat from the establishment elsewhere.
But it will not happen in Australia. The ACA believes it the prerogative of players to choose which league they want to play in, and there should be no interference from establishment

What is the status on Pakistan tour?
The players are worried about the situation there and we’ll oppose any move by the CA that is against the players’ wishes.