ICL selection process to be telecast live: Kapil

CHENNAI: The ICL selection process will be telecast live, former Indian captain and ICL chairman Kapil Dev said here on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference at Mayajaal Sports Complex, where the ICL players are attending a 21-day camp, before the league kicks off in mid-November, Kapil said the selection process of the ICL will be transparent.

”We are going to have an open discussion of the selection. We want maximum transparency. There will be a live coverage of the process,” he said.

Former selector Kiran More was also present along with Kapil, who earlier addressed the players in the camp at the sports village, situated about 30 km away from the city.

The former world cup captain said the Indian cricket is endorsing the idea of ICL by starting a national league. ”If BCCI is trying to do something, I welcome that. Competition is always good. If it is for the betterment of the game and the players, I welcome that,” he said.

The cricket board will announce the details of the professional league on September 14. On the possibility of rapprochement, he asked ”Where’s the question of compromise. Only when there is a fight, there is the question of rapprochement. I have a house to look after.”

Asked whether the present ICL move is a prolongation of the fight between him and Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil said, ”He is my senior. There is no fight. I have lot of respect for him. It’s only the media that is viewing it that way.”

Asked whether Rohan Gavaskar’s joining ICL was a victory over BCCI, he said, ”I welcome him aboard. Let’s put it like that.”

On the former Australian coach John Buchanan’s move to join ICL, he said many more will definitely join. ”We are trying to get the best. When you get the list you will understand.”

On Australians Adam Gilchrist’s and Ricky Ponting ‘s reported statements, he said he will not be able to say anything on that.

Asked about the grounds in which the matches will be played, Kapil said this will not be a problem. ”We will go to schools and colleges. The BCCI has only 10 to 12 grounds. Government has been helping them.”

On the format and the ground details, Kapil Dev said the ICL will finalise everything by the end of this month and will inform the media about it soon.

The 1983 World Cup winning captain said the Twenty20 cricket is an exciting concept. ”It’s for the cricket fans. And the game is here to stay,” he said.

Kapil also observed that the T20 cricket was here to stay as the first match in the World Cup on Tuesday showed. ”The people want more sixes and fours. A score of 200 or more in 20 overs is what people want,” he remarked.

Kapil also observed that cricket has always been batsmen oriented.

”Bowlers like us are slaves,” he said, adding he had enjoyed all forms of cricket as an all-rounder.