New Zealand Cricket to open arms to its ICL rebels

WELLINGTON - New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will welcome Indian Cricket League players back with open arms - as long as they can prove they have severed all ties with the unsanctioned competition.

Today’s board decision means that former ICL players will be considered for inclusion in the Black Caps’ tour to Sri Lanka in August-September, and a New Zealand A tour to India in August.

The New Zealanders aligned to the ICL are Shane Bond, Daryl Tuffey, Hamish Marshall, Lou Vincent, Andre Adams, Chris Cairns, Craig McMillan, Chris Harris and Adam Parore.

The New Zealand Press Association quoted NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan as saying that the board’s decision was “about policy rather than any player’s particular circumstance”.

Vaughan acknowledged that Bond and Tuffey were the most likely candidates for future selection if they broke with the ICL.

“We understand both of these players wish to return to international cricket - which is great news for cricket in New Zealand. Like other boards around the world we have had to clarify our position on how to deal with former ICL players who wish to return to international cricket,” Vaughan said.

“We consider ours is a reasonable policy. Individual players need to make their own decisions over their future with the ICL. Today’s decision is by no means a guarantee of selection for any player - all former ICL players would need to earn their way back into the national side on merit,” he added.

Vaughan was hopeful the problems caused by the ICL do not return again to damage cricket around the world. (ANI)