The Essel Group promoted Indian Cricket League (ICL) suddenly got a big momentum with seven Hyderabad Ranji players, India’s highest domestic level, signing the contract. This must have come as a rude shock to the obdurate BCCI, which has been running after money like there is no tomorrow. With more than 50 players and still counting, big international names such as Lance Klusener, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam featuring, and importantly Kapil Dev at the helm, BCCI has no other way but to threaten the players saying that they cannot represent India if they play for the rebel league.

Who is BCCI and why the hell does it think that it is the only gateway through which someone can represent India?

ICL has money and current big names from NewZealand, West Indies (where controversy comes before games) and even South Africa can be easily wooed. Even BCCI has money, but it hasn’t done much to improve the domestic circuit and the game itself. Not even a single pitch in India has bounce and pace and BCCI has done nothing toward this. BCCI has more often been a political party in Bihar rather than a governing body. Its politics ensured that many potential players ended their careers at the Ranji level.

To give further impetus to this breakaway club, Javed Miandad has asked the Paksitan cricket board to recognize ICL, while former Indian players have criticized the BCCI for banning players who had signed contracts. These are ominous signs for the BCCI; it might seem just a beginning to many, but for people who know the success story of Kerry Packer, this is something very serious. However, the stadia required for hosting these matches might be something that should worry ICL. But again, it has money.

Moving on to other news, surprisingly, the ICL has plans to invite other channels to bid for the broadcast. It will be interesting if Prasar Bharthi bids for the matches, which is ruled out given the control the govt. exerts on the network. With the ICL’s first tournament is tentatively scheduled in Oct/Nov 2007 and with the bidding notification yet to appear in the Newspapers, it seems Zee will bag the rights at least this time.

Whatever happens, the coming few days are going to be exciting.