Sport - Cricket

Inzamam speaks out against bans

HYDERABAD: Former Pakistan captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq, has said that no cricket Board has the right to ban any cricketers playing in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and that it was sad to see cricket Boards resorting to such tactics.

Speaking to the media on arrival in the City on Saturday night, Inzamam, who will be leading Lahore Badshahs in the ICL commencing here from March 9, said the ICL contracts clearly mentioned that anyone called for national duty would be relieved with immediate affect.

“When those playing in the Indian Premier League can play for their respective countries, why not the same privilege be extended to the ICL cricketers,” he asked.

“We have been hearing some adverse comments that the ICL is for the retired cricketers. If that is the case, why are the Boards of different countries resorting to these bans on those joining it,” he said.

He, however, evaded a direct reply to a query on whether the ICL players are contemplating moving the court to seek justice.

Commenting on the IPL, Inzamam did not find fault, saying that any league — be it ICL or IPL — which benefits the cricketers should be welcomed.

“I wish many more countries start these Leagues which should benefit the domestic cricketers also a lot,” he observed. “I strongly believe that the Boards should react very positively to these Leagues and let the cricketers enjoy all the privileges instead of showing a partisan attitude towards one League or the other,” he said. — Principal Correspondent

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