Apparently history does repeat itself. In the 1970’s, a rebel Cricket League by the name of World Series Cricket (WSC) was introduced and players defected from their national bodies to play in a lucrative one day series.
Now, a rebel league is being created that is drawing parallels to the WSC. The Indian Cricket League (ICL) is a city team based 20/20 league that will play a round robin format. However, the International Circket Council (ICC) and the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) do not endorse or support the league. [“ICC will not back Indian League”]
The league has had a lot of money pumped into it and many international stars have signed on, such as Brian Lara and Damien Martyn. It’s also rumored that former Australian International Shane Warne will sign on.
Australian Test Captain Ricky Ponting says that the ICC will have to create official leagues to stop the threat of the rebel leagues. [“Get tough with rebels, says Ponting”]
Australia and England are not so much under threat because most of the international players are signed to state and county teams, and therefore joining another team would constitute a breach of contract.
Twenty20 Cricket is exploding and bringing with it a new wave of fans…so many, that the first Twenty20 World Cup will be held later this year.
The implications of the new league in India could include several players being banned from their national teams. However, the league generally caters for recently retired players, and the money being offered is quite substantial. Most have chosen this league post retirement.
The problem is that the BCCI and ICC have a few issues with the league such as scheduling, anti-corruption and development.
I am sure that if the ICL and ICC/BCCI hold talks then this matter will be resolved as they both want the same outcome- to deliver the best experience to cricket fans, and avoid the same problems that faced the WSC.
– Chris Lesley