New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) The New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association (NZCPA) has backed the Indian Cricket League (ICL), suggesting that the International Cricket Council (ICC) support the rebel tournament rather than “ostracise” it.
NZCPA general manager Heath Mills told the Herald on Sunday newspaper in Wellington that New Zealand stands to suffer the most unless the ICC accommodates the ICL.
The ICC is due to meet early September to determine whether the ICL will be endorsed by the world governing body, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied recognition to the tournament and threatened to slap life bans on all persons associated with it.
The international cricketers’ associations will also meet at the same time in Johannesburg.
“The ideal scenario from my point of view would be for the ICC to support it as long as it didn’t impinge upon international cricket,” Mills told the paper.
“I can’t see many negatives of third-party funding coming into cricket and another professional league would give players an opportunity to earn more income, just like those who go to county cricket. What would concern me greatly was if the league was ostracised by the ICC and it became a rebel league.”
Mills said the comparatively low incomes of New Zealand’s players made them a prime target for the ICL, arguing that cricket’s big fish – the subcontinent, Australia, England and South Africa – have the resources to pay their players the sort of money that would ensure they don’t jump ship.
“Our guys would be hugely at risk. They’re paying their players close to a million dollars a year so it’s a no-brainer. But a guy who is near the top of the retainer list and plays most games a year is looking at $250,000 maximum. That makes us vulnerable.”
Chris Cairns, Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming have all been linked with the ICL, launched by the Essel Group, owners of the Zee television network, with more than Rs. 10 billion invested in the tournament to be telecast on the group’s sports channels, Zee Sports and Ten Sports.