However, IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi feels that the IPL as well as other domestic Twenty20 events too need a space in ICC’s calendar: “IPL and other domestic tournaments around the world have to find their own windows. We haven’t asked for an FTP commitment as far as that is concerned.

“But for an international tournament of this magnitude and this quality, we are working with all the member countries and the ICC,” Modi is quoted telling the IPL’s official website.

The Champions League has increased the number of participating teams from 8 to 12 this year – three of the top teams from the IPL (Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers and Delhi Daredevils); two top teams each from Australia (New South Wales Blues and Victoria Bush Rangers), England (still to be confirmed) and South Africa (Cape Cobras and Diamond Eagles); and one team each from New Zealand (Otago Volts); West Indies (Trinidad & Tobago); and Sri Lanka (Wayamba). These 12 teams will be divided into 4 groups of 3 teams each.

Meanwhile, the New South Wales Blues are trying to win Brendon McCullum in their team for the Champions League. Since New Zealand’s team, Otago, was selected for the tournament, McCullum is on demand on both fronts. The NSW Blues may lose their star, David Warner, to the Delhi Daredevils, in which case McCullum will be the ideal replacement. McCullum had earlier admitted that he would prefer to play for Otago; however NSW might just win him with a hefty pay check of US$250,000.

David Gilbert, the chief executive of Cricket New South Wales, told the Sydney Morning Herald, "There is no doubt having Brendon McCullum in your team increases your chances of a win, that is an undeniable fact. It's about ensuring we have got all the bases covered.”

Ross Dykes, the Otago chief executive added that considering McCullum has played for them in the last 12 months, it may happen again; but then again, there are loyalty issues which can’t be ignored: "You can't ignore figures like that. But on the other hand, you have loyalty reasons for which you wouldn't want to do it. Brendon would have to be involved in these discussions." Craig Cumming, the Otago captain, seconded that saying, “this is unique in that you're representing your province on a world stage. This is a real opportunity for him to do something a little bit different from what he normally does because it is for his province. It's a unique chance."

It’s not just McCullum who has to make the decisions. So many other IPL players have to choose between their franchise and the team representing their country: Nathan Bracken (New South Wales and Royal Challengers Bangalore), Cameron White (Victoria and Royal Challengers Bangalore), Dirk Nannes (Victoria and Delhi Daredevils), Andrew McDonald (Victoria and Delhi Daredevils), Herschelle Gibbs (Cape Cobras and Deccan Chargers) and Farveez Maharoof (Wayamba and Delhi Daredevils).

Coach Greg Shipperd too has to choose between Victoria and Delhi Daredevils. He had said earlier that if both teams did qualify, Victoria would be his first preference. The Champions League will be played in India from Oct 8-23.

Comments

Add New RSS

3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

Newer news items:

Older news items: