Date:01/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/01/stories/2008030159752400.htm

Sport - Cricket

ICL matches in Hyderabad

Principal Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Lahore Badshahs, led by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, will be one of the two new additions to the Twenty20 Indian Cricket League (ICL) tournament, the second edition of which commences from March 9 with Hyderabad hosting the first three matches, Bharath Reddy, the co-ordinator of the series, said.

In all, Hyderabad will host 12 matches and one semifinal.

Speaking to The Hindu, Reddy said that the other new team which will be joining the original six, to complete an eight-team line-up, is Ahmedabad Rockets.

He also confirmed that New Zealand’s Shane Bond would be one of the foreign players who would be arriving in India.

All the matches would commence at 5 p.m. every day and the inaugural match will feature Hyderabad Heroes and Lahore Badshahs and the second match will be between Delhi Giants and Mumbai Champs.

“We are pleased with the way Lal Bahadur Stadium has been spruced up for the ICL. We hope to provide some exciting action for the people of Hyderabad,” Reddy said.

The team lists will be released in a day or two and all matches will be telecast live on Zee Sports and Ten Sports.

South Africa’s Justin Kemp and Australia’s Jimmy Maher will play for Hyderabad along with Abdur Razzak, Nicky Boje and Chris Harris.

Teams in the fray: Chennai Superstars, Delhi Giants, Mumbai Champs, Hyderabad Heroes, Kolkata Tigers, Chandigarh Lions, Ahmedabad Rockets and Lahore Badshahs.

Important foreign players: Adam Parore, Avishka Gunawardane, Damien Martyn, Heath Streak, Mathew Elliot, Michael Kasprowicz, Mohammad Sami, Murray Goodwin, Mushtaq Ahmed, Nic Pothas, Saqlain Mushtaq, Tino Best, Wavell Hinds.