BCCI on ICL players unfortunate: Lara

Chandigarh, Dec 11 (UNI) Describing the the Board of Control for Cricket in India's move to ban players, who associate themselves with the Indian Cricket Leaguefrom representing the country, as unfortunate, former West Indiescricket captain Brian Lara advocated that the budding Indian cricketers should not be denied an opportunity to play for their country. "The players must have an option," said Lara after Mumbai Champs defeated Kolkata Tigers for their first triumph in the ICL being held at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula.

"International players playing along with the young Indian cricketers in the ongoing ICL Twenty20 Championship has happened for the first time and these youngsters are learning faster and getting benefits," said Lara.

Regarding his performance in the ICL Twenty20 Championship, Lara said "this is the first tournament I am playing. I am not getting the feel. This is the new format for him." "These guys played a good game today against Kolkata Tigers. We have not performed well in earlier matches. By playing against established international cricketers the confidence of the young Indian cricketers is moving up." UNI