Former Pak players hail SLC's stand on ICL, urge PCB to follow

Lahore, Sep 21 (UNI) Hailing SLC's move to lift the domestic ban imposed on players joining the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq asserted that the PCB should follow Sri Lanka's steps and take a decision on the existing ban.

Referring to Sri Lankan Cricket's (SLC) bold step, Inzamam said it has showed that Pakistan can also take an independent decision on its ICL contracted players.

''Pakistan needs to stop doing what India wants. Cricket is the bread and butter of the banned players and they have committed no crime by opting to play in the ICL which is now growing and is an alternate for players,'' said Inzamam, who himself play in the rebel ICL said.

''Sri Lanka has set a bold and fair precedent. English counties have stuck to their principles by allowing ICL players and I think very soon the ICC will also have to rethink its policy on the ICL,'' he added.

However, Moin Khan, also a former Pakistan captain, said players, who are banned by boards, had not entirely ruled out legal action against the authorities.

''It is an option available to us because we are confident if things go to court many people will be uncomfortable,'' he maintained.

Echoing the same, another former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said the ban on ICL players was unjustified.

''I don't think the IPL can continue calling the shots for long now. Something has to give way after the bold stand taken by Sri Lanka and the English players,'' Latif said.

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