Dinesh Mongia still has dreams to play for India

Chandigarh, Aug 22 (UNI) Despite joining the Indian Cricket League and the Board of Control for Cricket in India shutting door on him and others, cricketer Dinesh Mongia still nurses dreams to represent India once again.

Addressing a press conference here today, the Chandigarh-based Punjab all-rounder Mongia asserted, ''I am a cricketer and want to play competitive cricket.'' ''I have joined the ICL not for any other consideration except playing cricket. The ICL has clarified that any ICL player selected to represent the country would be permitted to do so,'' he said.

Mongia refused to any rivalry between the BCCI and the ICL.

Asked why he took the risk of joining the rebel ICL of Essel World Group, Mongia said "I want to play cricket as I enjoy this game. For the last 15 years I am making efforts to play for India. If I prove my worth by playing outstanding cricket in the ICL in the company of world's top players, I may be selected to represent the country." Mongia, however, avoided a comment despite repeated queries about the BCCI had stand not to entertain those who joined the rebel ICL.

Mongia also dismissed speculations that the promise of big money had lured the cricketers to join the Indian Cricket League.

''The amount is not big for signing the contract with the ICL,'' said Mongia who is rumoured to have signed a three-year contract for Rs 2.5 crore.

''It is an honour to play for Punjab and BCCI. However, the ICL will be providing more opportunities to the cricketers. With the launching of the ICL, the players strength will go up to 400. At present 200 players are playing at different levels under the BCCI banner. ICL has enrolled 100 and BCCI will be now requiring 100 more players. Consequently, the cricketers will get more chances to play,'' Mongia eleborated.

Mongia said that after the 20-20 Indian Cricket League in October, 50-over-a-side and three-day matches format would be launched.

Answering the query that Punjab Cricket Association may not allow him and other Punjab players who have joined ICL, to practice at the centres run by the association, Mongia said "there are many academies where cricketers play after paying fee. Moreover all arrangements for practice would be made within two weeks." UNI