Date:28/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/28/stories/2008022859592200.htm

Sport - Cricket

Plan FTP around IPL: Warne to ICC

Special Correspondent

Mumbai: Shane Warne, captain and coach of Rajasthan Royals, has virtually issued an ultimatum to the International Cricket Council (ICC) saying, “The ICC should plan its Future Tour Programme (FTP) around the Indian Premier League (IPL). It’s the most exciting thing to have happened to world cricket and the ICC must make sure that the best players in the world are available. What I like about the IPL is that it goes a step further by opening the Champions League. The IPL is here to stay”

The legendary leg-spinner was talking to a handful of reporters from Perth through a teleconference arranged by the Jaipur franchise, Emerging Media, here on Wednesday.

When reminded that six years ago, Hampshire county chief Rod Bransgrove had said that his county will have to rob a bank to employ Warne and that if Emerging Media has got him cheaply for $450,000, Warne said, “For the first time around 80 players were put on auction. I am not going to sit down and be disappointed.

‘Exciting cricket’

“I am looking forward to six weeks of exciting cricket with the Jaipur franchise and India, work with the local and junior cricketers.

“I have discussed a lot with Jaipur, before and after the auction, the strategy, one of which is me being appointed captain and coach, the auction process and the plans we are going to work around in the IPL,” added Warne.

Elaborating on his position as captain and coach he said, “I am going to pick the brains of Greame Smith, who is South Africa’s captain and Younis Khan who has been captain of Pakistan.

“Mohammad Kaif is an exceptional batsman. They all bring experience to the table. I am going to work with Greg Chappell, who I have found to be amazing,” he said.