Kapil Dev sets out his vision

ICL would welcome a UK-based team

Cricinfo staff

April 17, 2008

	Kapil Dev: 'I would love to have a London team playing in the ICL or Birmingham or another city team' © Getty Images

Kapil Dev, the head of the Indian Cricket League, has told the BBC that he would like to incorporate a UK-based team into his event.

"I would love to have a London team playing in the ICL or Birmingham or another city team," he said. "If I get a chance, if I have the money, I will definitely make one team from London or Birmingham. Give me the money and sponsor and I will do it.

"I would also love to see a team from South Africa, West Indies and Australia."

Dev also made clear that the ICCL was not looking to interfere with England's domestic programme. "We always say anybody picked for ICL must first represent their country and come to play for us when they are free. We don't want to spoil any country's cricket.

"The aim of ICL is to give exposure to the young boys and people who have played enough cricket. If they share their time with the young upcoming guys, they can teach these young cricketers. That's what our aim is and if we give the spectators thrilling cricket, everyone benefits from that."

Asked about the ECB's decision to look to ban any players who signed with the ICL, a policy which is now in tatters, Dev said: "I just want to ask the ECB one simple thing. Am I doing something wrong by trying to promote cricket around the world? The ECB should send us a letter saying thank you. Let's not be hypocritical."

© Cricinfo

Add to del.icio.us | digg this | Stumble It What's this? If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content on cricket, you may use these buttons. When you add them to any of these sites, you "social bookmark" them for others to find and rate. More on del.icio.us>> More on digg>> More on stumbleupon>> Close

Live scores, results, news, features and more - just a click away Download the Cricinfo Toolbar NEW: West Indies v Australia fantasy cricket game Enter your teams here Live scores from across the world on your mobile phone Cricinfo Mobile

Players/Umpires

Kapil Dev

Series/Tournaments

Indian Cricket League

Teams

England