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PCB issues final warning to ICL-bound players
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November 22, 2007 18:12 IST

The Pakistan Cricket Board issued a final warning to its players contracted with the Indian Cricket League, saying those who turn out for the rebel league will not be considered for selection to the national team.

PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said that the Board's policy in the matter remains unchanged and any player.

Pakistan has a big representation in the ICL, with Imran Farhat [Images], Taufiq Umar, Azhar Mahmood, Shabbir Ahmed, Abdul Razzaq [Images] and Inzamam-ul Haq already in India to play in the league.

Ashraf said the case of Inzamam is different as he has retired but the others are still active players and the Board's policy on the ICL will affect them.

He also dismissed suggestions that the PCB is towing the line of the Board of Control for Cricket in India on the ICL.

"No, we are simply following the policy of the International Cricket Council and other member boards which do not recognise the ICL. Our stand is no different from others. The league is not a sanctioned one," Ashraf said.

He said the PCB has nothing personal against the ICL.

"The day it is recognised by the ICC [Images] we will also accept it. But for the moment it is a tournament which is an unofficial event and not supported by any Board."

Ashraf also said the PCB is not worried about Mohammad Yousuf [Images] being served a notice threatening legal action by the ICL after he joined the list of PCB's centrally contracted players and also lined up to the play for the Indian Board's Indian Premier League.

"We have hired a very competent legal team in India to defend Yousuf and they have assured us they will take care of everything," he added.

The PCB chief said there is no way the ICL can stop Yousuf from playing in the current series, adding the Board hasn't thought about any financial compensation agreement with the ICL over Yousuf's last minute defection after signing a contract with the rebel league that will be launched on November 30 in Chandigarh.

He also sought to dispel the impression that the PCB has succumbed to pressure from the Indian board in agreeing to reschedule the Asia Cup to June next year.

"There is no question of any pressure. The June time slot also suited us as host as we play a home series against Australia in April-May and it would have been unfair on the players to expect them to give their best in the Asia Cup in less than a week after completing what should be a hard series against the World champions," he said.


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