The ICL is here to stay - Alternate Reality at Cricinfo

In that regard, it was good to hear legends of the game like Javed Miandad and Clive Lloyd come out in support of the ICL, and stating that different T20 leagues should co-exist for the good of the game. This sentiment was certainly backed up by the crowds in Ahmedabad. We had capacity crowds of around 50,000 for all the games here, and it created a fantastic buzz all around the ground. I happen to have family here in Ahmedabad, and though I managed to get them about 30 tickets for each game, they wanted even more. Even my six-year-old son, though very disappointed that we lost in the semis, was caught up in it all. He is totally hooked on to the league, and knows all the players and which teams they play for. His favourite is my team-mate Ian Harvey, and when we play at home he always calls himself Ian Harvey �.. that�..s the kind of impact the tournament is having. I do believe the ICL is here to stay.

On a personal note, I was happy with my form during the tournament, having missed the first three games. Getting close to 200 runs in six games with a couple of fifties was satisfying, and I was able to enjoy my time off after the championship. I managed to make it home to Chennai to spend my birthday with my family, and to celebrate my wedding anniversary as well.
The next assignment is the ICL World series, and I�..m really looking forward to it, and to challenging myself against the best players from across the league. It should be a cracking tournament with loads of good players, so stay tuned. Until next time, keep watching the ICL.

Hey great to see the ICL attracting so much interest. Politics should never enter into cricket, but sadly that can never be the case when the most powerful governing body (BCCI) is itself so politically inclined. Chalo anyway ICL has been superb entertainment. It's a travesty that about 80% of ICL Pakistanis' squad would make their national team. Plus, I think lads like Murtaza, Satish and even Stuart Binny are talented enough to represent India, but if BCCI keeps tooting its own horn, sadly that day may never come. Fingers crossed for a more harmonious future...

Hello Hemang
ICL for sure has attracted good crowds coming over to the grounds. I agree that the Lahore team was the best of the ICL Teams as it virtually has a full strength Pak team playing for it. Nazir's innings in the 3rd final was a pleasure to watch. Its a pity that these Pak players & other talented guys will not get to play for their countries bcoz of the problems b/w ICL and BCCI.
I am hopeful that ICL will be bigger and better in the coming seasons. I hope that some younger better players will get to play here without having to worry about being banned by their respective countries.
I have believed that you as a Cricketer had a lot of potential but did not realize it fully. Good luck with your game Hemang. Enjoy yourself.

Dear Readers

ICL - entertainment at its best

It�..s a shame that ICL has not been recognized by ICC, particularly when there are lots of players with huge potential to succeed at all levels and forms of the game.

ICL has been a success story not only in India but also else where in the world. Cricket lovers in Pakistan have shown great interest in all the games played in ICL and the level of interest is increasing day by day.

I hope that in near future ICC whould realize there mistake of not giving due recognition to ICL and soon all the players playing in ICL will be available to play for there countries.

ICL surely is entertainment,specially with the quality of circket on offer.I must say that I saw the best catch (Justin Kemp) and one of the most destructive innings (Imran Nazir) on a cricket field in ICL 20s finals between Hyderabad Heroes and Lahore Badshah's.I am from Ahmedabad and seeing the kind of support that the Badshah's garnered ,it felt as if you are actually in Lahore and not Ahmedabad!!!It's really a pity that ICC is not doing anything to lift this embargo on the players involved in ICL.It would be great some day to see the finalists of ICL also in the Champions League .... High hopes some might say..but you never know..

great work hemang
icl is here to stay for sure.the cricket that is played is awesome.hope you guys get to play in the main stream as well sometime soon.the potential in the icl is mindbogling.good luck to you and very well batted against the pakistani side.its always a joy to beat them.

Hi,
just as a comment.

It is the first time in my life that I can sit 3 THREE hours in a chair,hooked on the twenty 20 of ICL.

My previous cricket experience was nil,zero,nada.
Now,through the ICL tournaments I am an ADDICT.
You cannot beat the tension and the drama of a game that shoots for the stars.

I am an avid soccer fan. But dear, nothing can beat the excitement of a 9 wicket squad,trying to get 10 runs in an over and win.

God bless you cricket players for your game

The ICL is more interesting than the IPL, is what I feel. Besides being so well marketed, and organized, the ICL has some serious talent on display. I was gratified that some Pakistan Team regulars played in the ICL. They are the best ambassadors for their nation, and are better in fostering understanding than the regular counterparts. I believe, that if these Pakistan players could put their international careers in jeopardy, by playing in the ICL, then the Indian Team can certainly consider touring Pakistan. But that may put the lives of the Pakistani players in danger. I am conscious of the border between India and Pakistan, but it increases the regard that I may harbor for the nation.