IPL and ICL can co-exist, says Lloyd
20th November 2008
Here's some news that should bring joy to the Indian Cricket League (ICL) organizers. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is turning a deaf ear to their pleas of giving the league official status, the chairman, cricket committee of International Cricket Council Clive Lloyd provided a ray of hope saying it was time a discussion was initiated for the co-existence of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and ICL.
Speaking to TOI on the sidelines of a business project launch here on Wednesday, the former West Indies captain said, "I'm hoping that ICL and IPL will co-exist."
When specifically asked if it could happen, Lloyd, in his heavy baritone said, "There's nothing like having a discussion to break the ice. Just like the United States president Barack Obama said 'you have to speak to people'. They (IPL and ICL) both need to understand their agendas and work accordingly."
Talking about professional leagues, Lloyd said, "The players are now hoping that they don't have to choose between Tests, ODIs and T20s.
"It will be ideal if they have a period where they can go and earn money and go back to Tests. It's some time before the FTP (Future Tours Programme) can find the right slots for IPL and other similar tournaments so that players representing their countries are not forced to make a choice."
About the Stanford Cup (held in the West Indies recently), the 1975 World Cup winning captain felt it would be better if big money is spent more on grassroot level cricket than on one game of Twenty20.
"We need to get to make young players to understand that it's just not about money. Money is there to be earned, but they need to learn the rudimentary elements of the game." Lloyd revealed that the West Indies were trying to have a domestic professional league of their own.
Source: Times of India