ICL determined to soldier on

New Delhi: While the high-profile build up to the Indian Premier League goes on, it's easy to forget the flag bearer of the Twenty20 revolution in India. Observers have dismissed the Indian Cricket League as a sideshow but as CNN-IBN reports, it hasn't dampened the spirits of its players.

One look at the Indian Cricket League's star-studded line-up and there is no mistaking the pedigree. All big names, playing not just for money but professional pride as cricketers too, with one simple message to the powers that be.

"People can't stop cricketers from playing cricket. It's just restriction of trade. There will be times when that will be brought to people's perception. ICL isn't conflicting with international cricket or domestic cricket anywhere in the world," notes former Australian batsman and captain of the Chennai Superstars Stuart Law.

But that argument seems to cut no ice with with ICL baiters. Any player who signs up for the rebel league is barred from playing in their own domestic competitions. ICL bosses are convinced this diktat can't stand in a court of law.

"We have taken legal action, so definitely we will get the result very soon. Hopefully it will be a positive one and it's going to benefit all the cricketers," says Kiran More, member of the ICL's executive board.

And for the cricketers being branded as "rebels" for just plying their trade is difficult to digest.

"I think people have to come forward and think about the game and what's good for the game, and not for personal egos," remarks former Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu, who's leading the Delhi Giants.

Some haven't given up their dream of wearing national colours again.

"Pakistan has an enormous pool of talent, and a lot of openers in particular. Yes, if I do get called up, I will definitely play for Pakistan again," says a passionate Imran Nazir.

"It's been very harsh for the ICL players. I don't think it's going to help either cricket or cricketers," adds Mohammad Sami, who even toured India during Pakistan's recently concluded series.

Faced by a giant monolith, the problems won't go away for the ICL. But despite the roadblocks, the ICL is determined to soldier on.