Hopes are on the rise as BCCI, ICL talk

With the ICC asking the BCCI to start talks with the League, the cricketing fraternity feels only the game stands to benefit if the issue is resolved amicably

HYDERABAD: Soon after the International Cricket Council asking the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to sit across the table with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) officials and sort out the differences, the youngsters taking part in the Twenty20 League are already on a high. If there is an amicable solution, it would benefit countless talented Indian cricketers.

The “feel good” factor was aired by former chief selector and ICL Executive Board member, Kiran More. “I hope the BCCI adopts a positive attitude towards the whole situation,” he said. The former India wicketkeeper felt that this move will benefit the youngsters in a huge way. “If our league is sanctioned, it will help our boys. They will get an opportunity to play domestic cricket and that is what is important for us.”

Someone like Abhishek Jhunjhunwala of Royal Bengal Tigers, who once aspired to don the India colours, seemed more than happy. “I am very excited by the development and if this thing happens, the game will benefit. But I don’t want to be over optimistic about it… I am keeping my fingers crossed that in the next meeting or so these things will be resolved,” he said.

Jhunjhunwala added that he still nurtures the dream of playing for Bengal as well as for the country. So this move to sanction the League will open the door for him and his dreams of playing for the country may come true.

Jhunjhunwala’s teammate Deep Dasgupta also sounded optimistic. “It’s a positive sign that they have agreed to renew talks… The BCCI didn’t want to talk on the issue initially and now I think from the next season we will get to play in the domestic season… Which will really be a good thing for us.”

According to Hyderabad Heroes’ Indra Shekar Reddy, the meeting couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I have not been on the domestic circuit for quite some time and am missing my teammates, but if I get to play for my state again, there’s nothing like it,” he stated.
But the news took Chennai Superstars’ Rajagopal Sathish by surprise. “I haven’t heard about this till now, but if the BCCI recognises us, we will again get a chance ton don the India colours in the future,” Sathish remarked.

Madhya Pradesh allrounder and Delhi Giants’ JP Yadav was no different in his opinion. “If the BCCI gives the nod to ICL, there will be a lot of opportunities for us.”