BCCI tells ICL players to join it by May 31

MUMBAI: The Board of control for Cricket in India (BCCI) lifted ban on the players on Wednesday, who joined Indian Cricket League (ICL), with a condition to leave ICL by May 31, 2009. However, the board has given a condition that the players would not be allowed to play any international matches for a year period after they quit the ICL.

They would have to play domestic cricket in this period. BCCI President Shashank Manohar told reporters that the decision was taken by board's working committee meeting. He told that a few player and support staff of ICL met the Board members and realised their mistake of joining rebel league. He further added that the Board was getting request letters regretting of their decision from the players.

Mr Manohar called it a punishment not to allow players to participate in international assignments. Zee Group owner Subhash Chandra's Indian Cricket League (ICL) attracted likes of Brian Lara, Inzamam-ul Haq and Shane Bond. Chandra launched ICL after India's debacle in the ODI World Cup in the West Indies in 2007. But the BCCI did not recognise the ICL and announced a ban on players associated with the 'rebel' League.