ICL fan following justifies rebel choice

New Delhi: They also serve who play in the Indian Cricket League. If the core competence of cricketers is playing the game with guts and gusto, those figuring in the Zee backed tournament, dubbed the 'rebel league', are doing no mean job of it.

Be it because of the growing craze for Twenty20 cricket or the eagerness to follow the fortunes of those on the other side of the fence, the fact is that the ongoing tournament is being watched keenly and the Television Rating Points (TRPs) are said to be equivalent to that of a Test match day in India.

The organisers are happy with the revenues and expect to break even in a couple of years, the players don't seem to be resenting their decision to sign up for what many see as the poor man's IPL, while cricket fans are following matches of the ICL too.

The players do wonder why they can't be part of the ICC, but are happy with quite a few aspects. And contrary to what many might believe, it is not just the top stars who have been kept in good humour because of the large pay packets, but those weened away from the domestic system too.

They are not only happy to be rubbing shoulders with international stars like Inzamam-ul Haq, Craig McMillan and Shane Bond but have the benefit of a support system including top-class trainers and physiotherapists. But most importantly, they are getting to play matches on a regular basis, which they are quick to point out, may not happen in the IPL.

Said Dheeraj Jadhav, the highest scorer of a 50-over ICL tournament played at Chennai: "It is for the first time that we are getting such good facilities and support staff. The ICL has given opportunities to players and it is up to them to perform and make the ICL a success as it is a matter of their careers too."

Jadhav, who played 53 first-class and 23 List A matches, sees the ICL as another opportunity for players and definitely a good alternative.

"Players have the choice of either playing Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments with the hope of representing India one day, or settle in their careers by signing up for the ICL," said the 28-year-old, a former Maharashtra player.

In fact, seeing the tournament being run fairly well despite the initial problems with grounds, there is every chance that the ICL will grow and make a place for itself, even if it is not a threat for the IPL.

Mumbai player Robin Morris, who played 42 first-class matches and 51 List A matches before moving to the ICL, feels the two rival leagues are as different as chalk and cheese.

"You see a lot of Indian players, may be about a 100, getting to play in the ICL, but the same is not the case with the IPL, in which you will find only top and proven international players. Also, while we will be playing three or four tournaments a year, there is likely to be only one IPL tournament," said 31-year-old Morris.

"As a cricketer, you want more and more matches and not be sitting at home."

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