PCB to decide on rebel ICL players after ICC's prescribed 'cooling period'

Lahore, Apr.20 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it could consider the rebel ICL players for national selection after they are through with the 'cooling period' as proposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The board, however, has also made it clear that the players would be considered for selection only when they terminate their contracts with the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

"But one thing is clear, first and foremost the ICL players need to end their contracts with the ICL to even be considered for any level of competition for Pakistan," The Daily Times quoted a PCB official, as saying.

He said that the rebel players must decide on their association with the ICL before 1 June, the day when the ICC's more stringent regulations regarding unauthorized leagues comes to the fore.

"After that we can't do anything for these players," the official added.

Earlier, several Pakistan ICL players Mohammad Yousuf, Imran Nazir, Abdul Razzaq, Rana Navedul Hasan and Imran Farhat had expressed their desire to play for the national side once again.

According to sources, the PCB is under pressure from different divisions to allow the rebel players to represent Pakistan in international arena to give a fitting reply to the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI), which is being blamed to have played a major role in influencing the ICC to snatch the hosting rights of the 2011 World Cup from Pakistan. (ANI)