PCB bans seven Pak players for playing in ICL

LAHORE : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has banned seven cricketers, including former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq from playing the domestic league, for taking part in the Indian Cricket League (ICL).
“Since the ICL is not recognised by the PCB and the Indian cricket board, the players who have joined the ICL despite warnings from their respective boards will not be allowed to play in the domestic circuit,” PCB spokesman said.
Besides Inzamam, the other players banned by the PCB are Abdul Razzaq, Shabbir Ahmad, Azhar Mehmood, Taufiq Umar and Imran Farhat.
“The rebel players have tried to contact the PCB through their respective departments, but the board gave them a cold shoulder,” the spokesman said.
He said despite showing good performance in the ICL, the players would not be considered even for the national camp.
“The board is following ‘zero tolerance policy’ towards such players,” the Daily Times quoted him, as saying.
ICL announces eventful season for 2008 :
Subhash Chandra’s Indian Cricket League (ICL) which kick started its first season in November, will host 5 tournaments in 2008. The announcement was made today by Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra and Kapil Dev, chairman of the executive board, ICL.
The second season of ICL will roll-out in February and will include 50-over matches as well.
” It is indeed heartening to see the response Indian Cricket League (ICL) has been able to generate in India and across the globe. After a successful launch in keeping with the promise made, ICL is proud to announce its cricket calendar for the coming season.” ICL conducted its first 20-20 championship at the Tau Devilal cricket stadium at Panchkula, Chandigarh from November 30 to December 16, Subhash Chandra, chairman, Essel Group said.
ICL’s 2008 event calender will begin in February with a 50-over tournament featuring domestic cricketers, to be followed by a Twenty20 triangular series. In March-April, ICL will organise the ICL Grand Championship in which 8 teams will participate in a Twenty20 tournament. By April- May, the league will open academies across cities. September-October will witness the ICL Invitation Cup (a 20 over a side tournament in which 8 teams will participate). The season will conclude in November-December with the second edition of ICL Twenty20 Indian Championship.