New Delhi (PTI): The Indian Cricket League (ICL) on Wednesday received a shot in the arm with eight Pakistani players, including Mohammad Sami and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, joining the Essel Group-backed venture.

Apart from Sami and Naved, Mushtaq Ahmed, Humayun Farhat, Shahid Nazir, Hasan Raza, Imran Nazir and Riaz Afridi also joined the rebel league which already boasts of names like Brian Lara, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Chris Cairns and Craig McMillan.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome these players to the ICL family. These talented and experienced cricketers will definitely be a great source of learning for the youngsters who will play with them," Chairman of the ICL Executive Board Kapil Dev said in a statement.

"Under their guidance, the ICL players will develop skills comparable to the best of international cricketing talent," he added.

The former India captain also hinted that some other players would join the league soon.

"We are in talks with some of the finest players in the cricketing arena. The announcement for the same will be made shortly.

"At ICL, it's our endeavour to showcase the best of Indian talent and to provide them with the best of facilities to help enhance the talent," Kapil said.