Sport - Cricket

ICL: Vizag, Lucknow likely to be new venues

VADODARA: The Indian Cricket League (ICL) is making efforts to introduce two more venues — Visakhapatnam and Lucknow — for its forthcoming season that begins in February, 2009, according to Kiran More, executive board member and tournament director here on Monday.

Speaking to The Hindu, More said ICL was facing problems with the grounds for hosting the tournament as a majority of them were under the control of Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI). “We are using the corporation and government grounds to keep the show going,” he said.

More said that ICL would soon introduce an under-15 National-level invitation tournament and the format will be decided in the first week of January.

"Whether the tournament will be of 50-50 or 20-20 will be decided in the meeting. The tournament will be held in Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad."

More said that the tension between India and Pakistan has had its effect on the league as the Lahore Badshahs, led by Inzamam-ul-Haq, might not feature in the third edition.

"As of now, Lahore outfit is most unlikely to play. But if the tension between the countries subsides, we can expect them in action. The Pakistan team was the real crowd puller in the second edition," he pointed out.

He denied introduction of new thrills and frills to make the tournament more viewer-friendly. He also made it clear that though there would be new teams in the league, the emphasis was on looking out for current international players.

"We will play the third edition with the existing teams. We are seriously thinking of revamping some teams like Mumbai Champs and Ahmedabad Rockets outfits by adding talented domestic players."

He said the ICL management was considering adding eight more practice wickets at Ahmedabad for the benefit of the players.

"We want to make Ahmedabad as the hub. The new wickets will be beneficial for the u-15 players and also the seniors."

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