The divergence as foreseen is on, between the ICL and the IPL. The Indian Premier League modeled on the system of franchises used by the American NFL and NBA, enjoying the backing of the ICC will feature cricketing legends Warne, McGrath and recently deposed New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming. Securing the trio was a race against time as all three had been presented with contracts by the rebel ICL.
The BCCI vice-president Lalit Modi said:
Warne, McGrath and Fleming have signed contracts to play in the IPL. The trio will be a part of our centralised pool of players and available for signing by the franchises.
Until few days ago, BCCI formed the IPL in retribution, to send a strong message to the rebel ICL featuring an officially-sanctioned domestic Twenty20 competition backed by top test playing nations including Australia, South Africa and England, besides India. Moreover, the BCCI is not at all in a mood to negotiate with the rebel League and is prepared to use money power to lure away the players. IPL offers Warne a significant lesser amount than the US$700,000 ICL was reportedly prepared to pay him.
The ICL, backed by the Essel group in India, is also a Twenty20 league, though not recognised by the ICC or any of the national boards have already signed at least seven international players including Brian Lara, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq plus more than 50 Indian domestic players have also embraced the ICL.
Via: NZHerald
