Imran Khan invited for ICA launch
M Chhaya in Kolkata
Former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan is a surprise invitee for the
launch of the Indian Cricketers' Association in Kolkata next
month.
Khan has been invited by former India Test opener Arun Lal, who
is expected to be appointed ICA secretary. The Pakistani
cricketer-turned-politician has agreed to be present at the
charity dinner to mark the launch of the ICA.
Cricket observers feel the invitation to Khan augurs well for the
game, as the gesture soars above the tensed political relations
between the two neighbours.
Apart from top corporate honchos, former and present cricketers
and important cricket administrators, including Indian board chief
Jagmohan Dalmiya, Lal is also trying to rope in Sunil Gavaskar and
Kapil Dev to grace the occasion.
Invitations have also been sent out to English batting legend
David Gower, whose participation is yet to be confirmed.
Some leading Bollywood stars have been invited as well, "but
because the invitations went out late, their participation is in
doubt".
Lal, who is a busy man nowadays, is trying to register the ICA before
its formal launch. He said he hopes to get the registration by
Wednesday, when the third Test between the hosts and the West
Indies begins at the Eden Gardens.
Related report
Players' association set to take-off
Mail Cricket Editor
