IPL boost for ICL 'rebels'

KOLKATA: The door is open for ICL players who turn their back on the rebel league to play in Indian Premier League���s Season 3 next year provided they do so by May 31.
Although the BCCI has set a cooling-off period of one-year for the ICL rebels to return to international cricket, they don���t have to wait that long as IPL is a ���domestic��� tournament.
With the BCCI ready to play ball, a clearance from IPL���s governing council is a mere formality. The onus will be on the franchisees to pick up these players well-versed in T20 cricket to bolster their respective squads.
"The BCCI has followed the ICC directive regarding the cooling-off period for their return to international cricket.
There is absolutely no bar on them for playing domestic competitions. As IPL is an Indian domestic tournament, there is no problem," a senior BCCI office-bearer told TOI on Thursday.
The advantage for some of the players who may just be considered for IPL is their first-hand experience of playing alongside international cricketers in the ICL.
Players like Hemang Badani (670 runs at 25.11), Rajagopal Sathish (890 runs at 31.79), Ganapathi Vignesh (892 runs and 29 wickets), Abhishek Jhunjhunwala (615 runs) and Eklak Ahmed (29 wickets) are some players who may keep the franchisees interested.
"Indian players who played in the ICL are all top-flight first-class cricketers. They are at par with the current lot of first-class cricketers. The IPL franchisees will no doubt look to tap this talent pool to build stronger squads," a senior ICL cricketer opined.
Having made a pile from the ICL, the rebels are now eyeing a slice of the IPL pie.