The players who featured in the ICL have been given the deadline of May 31, to severe their relations from ICL. Once they provide evidence about having done so, they would be given an opportunity to come back into the national team either after a cooling off period or by paying fine only, as the board may decide.
The Chairman of the PCB, however, would take up the final decision in the matter. His decision, would however, have to factor in the advice given by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to its member boards as per which the players playing in a league not recognized by the ICC should have a cooling period of six to 12 months under clause in the regulations on unauthorized tournaments. The lead in submission of NOC has been taken by senior batsman of Pakistan, Mohammed Yousuf who had yesterday submitted an NOC from the ICL to the board confirming termination of his ties with the unofficial league. Others following in, include, Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved, and Imran Nazir.
In a related development Javed Miandad has commented that the India’s Champions League must not be called ‘Champions League’ anymore, as it does not feature the champions in the lucrative tournament.
Pakistan has not been included in the Champions League, which is being organized by the Indian cricket board with the support of a couple of other boards. It is a controversial decision, and the reason for leaving out Pakistan has been the security situation in that country. The tournament would be held in India in October.
Javed Miandad has expressed his disappointment on this development and is of the view that it is the power of money that has given rise to this development. He feels that money has drawn a black curtain over the various cricket boards, which are more interested in making money than flowing principles and rules. He is echoing the anguish that is being felt by the PCB of not being allowed to be a part of organizing the World Cup in 2011, and feels that India by virtue of its money muscle is dictating terms in international cricket.