The matter is indeed complex. Last year Mohammad Yousuf was the best batsman in the
world, in the form of his life. Soon, at 32, he might be banned from playing for Pakistan. He has reason to be aggrieved, dropped as he was from the Twenty20 squad - not for a youngster, which would have at least had the benefit of logic and planning, but for Misbah-ul-Haq, which has neither.

Yet should Yousuf be so hurt by an omission from, essentially, a lesser format of the game as to risk his entire future with Pakistan in one almighty petulant fit? And just how well does his image as a deeply religious and spiritual man, free from material trappings, sit with his keenness to play in a league where only the financial details seem to have been finalised?

Abdul Razzaq eagerly became the poor, victimised, senior servant of Pakistan cricket, forced out before his time. Injury forced him to miss the World Cup, after which, he complained, the board didn't bother calling him even once. If true, it is indeed a sad, damning indictment of how the PCB treats its commodities.

As sad, perhaps, as Razzaq's reaction to his dropping from the Twenty20 squad. One omission is all it took for him to renounce international cricket. Had they Razzaq's stomach for a fight, Graeme Hick, Mark Ramprakash and Sourav Ganguly - no strangers to axes or comebacks - would have committed suicide long ago. Forget that Razzaq's form in the last two years, under any microscope, from any angle, given any spin, called for no better than the chop.

And what to make of Imran Farhat? Some injustice has been done, it is true. He was dropped just before the World Cup, having been persisted with for some time, for Imran Nazir, who hadn't played an international in nearly three years. But from the way Farhat attacked selectors and justified his joining the ICL, you'd think Don Bradman had been axed, not a man who, after six years in the game, averages 33 in Tests and 30 in ODIs with three international hundreds.

Inzamam-ul-Haq's choice is of a different nature altogether; not only is he, at 37, not in the team's current plans, even if he was, it would not have been for much longer. And he fits the ICL profile; nearing the end of his career, this is an opportunity not to be spurned.

If we're being ruthlessly honest, then Yousuf's potential loss is the greatest. The PCB has already acknowledged as much, albeit a little tactlessly. If pushed, a future without Farhat, Razzaq and Inzamam is tangible, but without Yousuf? Reconciling, as Pakistan must, to a middle order without Inzamam is difficult enough; without Yousuf as well it hardly bears thinking about.

Ultimately, that the only active internationals to sign are from Pakistan says as much about the players as it does about the board, but it says most about the traditionally fractious relationship between the two. None of these players was bound to inform the board of his decision, and none except Yousuf did; the board's failure to contact Yousuf or Razzaq when central contracts were being signed was similarly telling.

Now, four days later, little save vague noises about bans and reconciliation with Yousuf emerge from board officials. Having maintained loudly that joining the ICL would result in life bans - and having been subsequently caught off guard - a u-turn for an administration increasingly renowned for them, is not ruled out.

What to make of it all? Feel first for Geoff Lawson, who was welcomed to Pakistan with this development, a greeting that, for novelty, is up there with eskimos rubbing noses. Then resign yourself to the methods of Ardeshir Cowasjee, that irascible, legendary columnist who, when writing of Pakistan's muddy politics, often invokes the famous Urdu proverb: Iss hamaam mein sab nangey hein (All are naked in this bathhouse).

Yes they did the right thing. Inconsistencies and lack of professionalism in PCB made every single player in the side more and more insecure. The way PCB treated Inzi, the way PCB humiliated players by disclosing internal dope tests results to media and then spent one year to clear their own mess. It seems PCB officials totally lack professionalism. One thing we could see that starting with DNA, every official in PCB like the media limelight. Additionally, hiring based on nepotism made the matter worse, since people like PJ Mir and Dr. Malik don't consider themselve accountable to any one and for that reason don't offer proper respect to players.

Now even if we look at all other boards in the world, no one is in rush to declare that players will be banned, but PCB rushed to this decision. Rather DNA rushed to this decision. Which was immature, they could have talked to players behind the doors and should have reached to some consensus. If you don't select a player and you don't need his services then why would you stop him from playing somewhere else?

Yousuf has been ignored and ill-treated by PCB. After Inzy, he should have been the next captain. But PCB continues on illogical ways... What did PCB expect? Yousuf would hang around and continue to be humilated? Now if PCB wants Yousuf, they should recognise ICL.

The issue is not who is right but why does this is happen in Pakistan Cricket with a consistency that we crave for in their performance?
Surely, we expect the Board to be represented by people of experience, character and some wisdom. Why is it that they were not able to anticipate the problem instead of reporting on the disaster?
Why is it that cool heads do not prevail? why not work quietly behind the scenes to reduce potential tension - it is all about quality of management!
The chairman of PCB recently said that Cricket has to be run like a business! imagine a company where its senior management is constantly in conflict the board and the CEO - either the CEO goes and or the Board resigns, but in Pakistan the concept of accountability is non existent.
Now to answer the question specifically - No reason to ANNOUNCE that players would have life ban imposed on them. If the communication was good, players would have known the possible penalty, they would have time to think to consult, rather than a case of open warfare.
If a player wants to sign with the Indian League he has a right to do so, he would not be a contracted player and his selection for Pakistan would be based on merit - form and fitness and of course availability!!!
The Indian Cricket Board is being childish, the ICC as usual is being evasive BUT why is the PCB carrying the banner for the ICL???
Finally it is true that our players should be told to look at the example of Ganguly - how courageously he fought to win back his place in the Indian line up. Razzak needs to think and act like a grown up, Yusuf should definitely reconsider his position, Inzamam should be allowed to play ICL and be avilable for Pakistan as he is not a contracted player (not by choice) as for Imran Farhat, just get of your high horse and stop making stupid comments!!

All humans have the right to earn their livelihood whichever way they choose. When these players are not under contract the PCB has no right to denying them an opportunity to earn a living. And its not as if they will be missing any international cricket. The threat of a life ban by PCB was premature when they obviously thought no one of the stature of Yousuf would sign with the ICL. They may well ban Farhat, Razzaq and Inzi but they cannot do the same to Yousuf as there is a huge soft corner for him throughout the country. Any ban would not stand in a court of law let alone the court of public opinion.

The PCB (and the SriLankan board) has in fact chosen to be more loyal than the king in this matter. Their decision to ban players is obviously an overture to the BCCI that we are with you in furthering the hegemony over cricket.

Regardless of the above I have no sympathy with Razzaq or Farhat and their petulant explanations for joining the ICL. Razzaq had no future with the team anyway and I have no doubt that his upcoming stint in county cricket will show that he is over the hill and half way down the other side. Farhat on the under hand has decided that he would rather leave than fight for a place so good riddance to him as well.

Hi sir,
I am sorry to say that Pakistan cricket is going to decline in long term. The way PCB board treat nation's legend is not acceptable. I just wonder who are those people who are running the board. What knowledge they possess about what? I am simply sick of PCB officials who cant do their job properly. It is true to say, the seat make them like this! Otherwise they have no talent at all.
Who can do something? No one!
It is sad for Pakistan cricket!
Bilal

Yes, I totally a agree with the players. I don't think there is anything wrong with joining the ICL. Unless and until it collides with the schedules and commitments of the home board. Its just a league. BCCI is scared b'coz their revenue may get divided or ICL may get more popular then BCCI thats it. Why should PCB react to this? PCB is just over reacting, How is that PCB allows players to play county cricket. Its just a game and these officials must leave it to the players to make their own choices.These bodies cannot
interfere in what the players are eating and omitting. Its upto the players to make their own choices. There is nothing wrong if they are getting over paid for their job. May be PCB won't we getting the benefit of the tournament, that may be the issue with them. I think Cricket is a Game and we must leave it on the Ground itself. Don't drag it into offices.

No way they can justify that. Just one fact, what they are today is because of Pakistan (PCB) and now they are not willing to take some hardship on account of it. It is nothing but some false decision on part of them.

Hi,

I don't want to take sides here and support either the cricket boards or the players joining ICL.

I just want to throw open few questions and let a discussion go on from other cricket lovers.

1) Currently international cricketers from almost all nations play County cricket. Please let me know how different is ICL from County cricket?

2) Players earn a good money by signing county cricket. It is the same case by signing ICL as well (of course, the 'package' can vary)

3) Players will be permitted by the respective boards to take part in County cricket. Where as in the case of ICL, players are being banned by their respective boards.

4) Whenever there is national duty, players will take permission from their county and join their national team. The same thing perhaps, could be done in the case of ICL.

Admittedly there is lot of money involved in ICL. That's fine, let us discuss - WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS/ISSUES THAT ICL CAN CAUSE TO WORLD CRICKET?? - not for the Cricket Boards!! If indeed we all find that World Cricket is going to suffer because of ICL - then ICL should be banned, not the players!!

Thank You,
Anand.

Absolutely there is no doubt about it , they should play as they have not been given a chance to play for there country and doors are closed for them if there is an opportunity they should avail it . There is nothing bad about as this is just a twenty20 format of the game there is a less chance of players getting injured. PCB is having there strict rules for players joining the ICL that will not going work for long, as Shahid afridi also said it , if Pakistan will close the doors for him to play for them then he will join ICL I think it’s a fair thing to do.

Professionalism was never a trade mark of Pakistani players but nor has it been of PCB (their ultimate boss); so I find it difficult to blame the players. Your claim that players, except for M. Yousuf, did not inform the board about their decision has two flaws; one, I believe Imran Farhat did inform the board about his decision and two, much more importantly, there is a communication gap between the players and PCB. PCB itself did not take these players in to confidence over its decision to leave them out of the squad, so why does it expect the players to communicate their intentions? You may argue that it's at PCB's discretion whom to select and whom to leave out of the squad, but in real life you need to be a bit emphatic with your employees. You wouldn’t think that Cricket Australia would leave out Ricky Ponting (their premier batsman) of squad bound for the World Championship of a 'lesser format of the game' [sic] without consulting him.

Employees cannot be blamed for following the behavioral example set by their employers so please keep the players out of the blame game.

yes its real shocking news for the cricket world where at one time players are considered on the pick & very next span there is life ban just bcause of Dirty politics & arrogence this is way player of the nation should be treated & there is nothing wrong for joining for better prospects but who can convince when there is pollution in thinking.in fact it has to be encouraged as world is having tough compition at every aspects

Yes, many of them are justified as the best years have passed them by & everybody needs financial security.The case of Mohd Yousuf of Pakistan is, perhaps, a little premature as he had at least 3-4 years of Test cricket in him, maybe more. He has been the backbone of the Pakistan middle order along with Younis Khan & Inzy for a long time & Pakistan will sorely miss his services.Inzy is finished as a international player and Imran Farhat & Razaaq have always moved in & out of their national sides.

Who cares is players join the ICL. Even if its not officially recognised by the BCCI why not count it as highly paid club cricket which is shown on TV. Only time it should be a issue is if it coincides with a international schedule.

I think it is ridiculous to blame the players for joining the ICL. They have every right to explore different opportunities on how to earn a living especially in the case of Inzamam.

The PCB are the worst run sports organisation i have ever known consisting of people who seem to know nothing about cricket and worst still seem to know nothing about how to administer the game .

The PCB seem to be acting as a poodle for the BCCI. Bans and restrictions on players do Pakistan cricket no favours what so ever. The ICL poses no threat to Pakistani cricket therefore if players can play in the English county league then why is playing in the ICL such a problem.
Especially considering the ICL does not conflict with the domestic season of Pakistan and all players will be released for national duty. Many Pakistani player play county cricket to boost the income so why shouldn’t they be allowed to do the same by playing in the ICL.

It’s interesting to know that other than the sub-continental boards of India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka no other nation has threatened to ban their players for joining. This shows how much power India hold over international cricket and more so sub-continental cricket. The ICL is a good thing for cricket as anything promoting the game is…however to please the BCCI the PCB are destroying the very game in Pakistan.

I don't see any point of judging by justification. ICL allows all the signees to play for their national assignments if they are called for. All PCB is retaliating is because of they are there to earn money. I can only comment PCB's behaviour nothing else than stubborness.

Very well written , I personally think that M Yousuf shouldnt have joined the ICL .He was an automatic choise for the One day and Test matches.Twenty/20 was not for him because his fielding was quite inimpressive and plus youngsters should be given chances

Well, this is a classic example of the scenario that players see others and think, if such & such has happened to other players it will happened with me. In my opinion Abdur Razzaq's & Mohammad Yousaf's decision was not of greed or money but more of taking a safe route out of international cricket citing PCB's attitude with players, yes money did made this decision easier but the players are not to blame.

Hi, I am a big cricket fan and Pakistan cricket team supporter,and have been following cricket very closely for quite some time now. My veiw over the matter of players signing for the ICL is in support of the player, who are disowned, overlooked and mishandled by the officals of Pakistan Cricket Board. It's a shame and a metter of concern for all the cricket fans and those responsible for organising cricket in Pakistan, As we have never been able to honour are national hero's the way they deserve.
I sure we all would agree we desperately need not only to change people but the way they think. Pakistan cricket is going through its worst time ever.

There are two things in life that no matter how hard I try, I cannot understand. The first is calculus and the second is some of the selelection decisions for the Pakistan team over the years. There seems to be no pattern nor promise of what is to come and some of the decisions are just as unpredictable as Pakistani politics. Though the frustration of the three players who signed with the ICL (disregarding Inzimam who I feel can be overlooked) is justified, their actions however are not. Signing into something that will take priority over playing for Pakistan is not the same as simply changing clubs. The consequences are much more widespread and go beyond just the player and League. A certain degree of patriotism for ones country, I feel, has been breeched by the three players who still have much to offer to their own country. International cricket has a sense of representation and pride attatched with it and I don't see how any local league could have more attraction in it. All players (especially Yousuf)clearly still have a future in Pakistan cricket and their exclusion from the side should only make them more hungry to prove themselves worthy for a place in the team.

I totally agree with the player's right of choice provided that their is a clause in their contract that they are available for national duty whenever required.
I am surprised with the board's statement talking only about yousuf's loss. It shows that they have already decided on not selecting Inzamam (other two were not selected on the form basis) for the test series. People from the board who talks about players should put country first needs to put themself in the same situation by announcing that they are going to give up their green card or dual citizenship & will only bear Pakistan nationality. I will then asked players not to play ICL.

I sincerely believe that the players have chosen the right path by joining ICL. There is literally no harm in joining a private league and earn more money as they are professional cricketers. The threat of a life ban was indeed premature. I think Naseem Ashraf should be sacked as he doesnt even know how to control things. We need some responsible people. Salahuddin Sallu was welcomed wholeheartedly by the people of Pakistan but he is a good example of how people change their colours after getting powers. It has been a tradition in Pakistani Cricket to insult their legends and it has happened again, with Pakistani cricket already in crisis. I dont think Imran Farhat should have complained like he has because i dont think he has proved himself that much but what has been done to Abdul Razzak, Yousuf Bhai and Inzi Bhai, they have every right to join ICL. I dont say that Imran Farhat is wrong, he is absolutely correct too but his protest was indeed a bit too much. I wish these players good luck and i hope they do well whereever they go.

Cricket is being run by businessmen, be it the ICC, BCCI, PCB or any other body for that matter. All that these folks are interested in is, making a fast buck. ICL has brought about a fear in these behemoths, their monopoly is being threatened. I would like to see cricket being played the way football is. ICL and other similar businesses will ensure there is a proliferation of the game and remove the stranglehold that ICC currently holds. Let's hope it is all for the good of the game. Parting shot, none of these players or bodies represent their nation in any manner, they are private businesses, in it for the lure of the money.

I feel strongly that the players should be allowed to play, as long as they are available to play for their National teams. It is unfair to deny them a chance to earn some money, especially when they have such short careers and with greater life expectancy, have to live without any source of income.
Sivasubramaniam (Singapore)

Another issue that Mohammad Yousuf would have had to consider was that he had been overlooked for the captaincy of Pakistan. More than his omission from the Twenty20 squad, the captaincy issue would have hurt him where it mattered.

I think everybody agrees that Inzamam's decision to join ICL was the right one. He definitely wasn't a part of PCB's future plans. As for Imran Farhat, I feel sorry for ICL. They must be very desperate to get 'any' players that they signed him. In his 'quite a long' stint as an international player, he has proved his 'unworth'.
Yousuf's & Razzaq's are different cases. It's just not about exclusion from Twenty20. It's about the way it was done and the reasons given for it. I don't understand why people get forgetting that Yousuf is an excellent player of One Day cricket. He can play all the shots all around the ground against any opposition in any conditions and he can score pretty quickly too as he has proved so many times. And of course, his presence at the crease gives the innings some stability. If having Twenty20 specialists in the team was so important, than could someone tell me, what is Younis Khan doing in the squad??? He's not even good enough for One Day cricket (atleast not anymore; he should really only play First Class or Test cricket). And secondly, why is Razzaq not in the squad???
Clearly, Razzaq doesn't have a future in Test cricket anymore. And the way he's been treated lately by the board, he made the right choice.
I don't understand why people start questioning players' patriotism. Why is it only players who have to take the full responsibility? Why doesn't anybody question the 'patriotism' of the board members? Why doesn't anybody brand them with words like greedy, materialist, opportunist?
And above all, I think, as Miandad said, PCB & BCCI should recognize ICL, for the sake of the Cricket in Sub-Continent, for its development.

Why is all this sanctions when an Asian Country forms a Legue, what difference does the ICL have against the English county, the only difference I could see is that the playing conditions would be much hotter and humidity than what it is in England, come on asians act as a team, be happy that we have formed our own cricker legue instead of English County , why on earth should any cricketing body of any country ban cricketers for joing the the ICL legue, that's absurd, to the cricketers , you are professionals in the game plaese act as one, just dont be blaming the cricketing body of your country as an execuse to join the legue, no where in the world that you may not be subjected to injustice, yes I agree that asian cricket governing bodies are prone to this iiiness more than any other country, however that shouldn't be the reason for you'll to join ICL, there is nothing wrong in players earning something good, still they should also make themselves available to play for there country, I sincerely appeal to all cricketing bodies of the respective countries, please re-consider your decision, we are been blessed to have crickers in the calibre of Mohomed Yousuf,and will want them to remain at the international level, not only in ICL league, please do not challenge the human rights of the players to choose what is best for them.

Is their joining ICL justified? Frankly the answer is yes. Our entire system is based on self deception. No matter who, whether in politics, business, corporations, beaurucracy, takes any walk of life when put at the helm of affairs, he/she does not need any consulatation. He/She is the wisest person on earth. Inzimam resigned after the world cup untimely exit. No pundit in the game of cricket had given current Pakistan team of winning the world cup any way but Inzimam as a leader accepted the responsbility. An act which should have been admired & appreciated. Very few in our system ever accept the responsibility. The latest example is Chief Justice case who had the guts to accept mishandling and resigned. Instead of ignoring Inzimam he should have been taken in to confidence in team building activities to value his experience & provide sense of engagement. Instead there was open critcism of his incapibility as a leader. The question is who made him leader for the world cup and what action has been taken against those responsible. Razzaq like Afridi is one of the batsmen in the world who can chnage the game in one over. He is valuable even only as a batsman for 20/20 team if some has any doubts about his bowling form. Again a responsible Chairman would have taken seniors in confidence and explained boards logic about the selection with a consensus statement that team has been announced taking senior players in to confidence and board is appreciative of the understanding of senior players in larger national interest. Muhammad Yousaf, world record holder in 2006 all of the sudden became less valuable in 2007. Again if he was taken into confidence before the announcement he would not have taken the decision he has. Each one of us expect others to sacrifice everything for the country but for himself. It is time for everyone to review what he has done for the good of cricket. What can we exepect from a person of one under 19 regional game against a foreign team except that he does his best. Our leader don't need training to update their knowledge of HR handling if they have any in the first place.
Nothing is impossible. Proper mediation can resolve the situation & bring the cricket asset of Pakistan back to the team when required. Every single individual has the right to secure his & his family's future. ICL is a form of game which will contribute to the game of the cricket in due course. I agree with Legend Javed Miandad to recogonize ICL to avoid a situation where there is no turning back or no chance of reconciliation.

Its disgusting to see that some people are blaming players for their joining ICL. Atleast, I didnt expect you (Osman) to do the same, afterall isnt it just a league on the likes of county cricket, only that this time around PCB has to impress its implied booses in BCCI.

Then again, our shoddy media (the mainstream sports media) has the tendency to take diplomatic stances with regard to PCB, to keep their inside contacts in PCB alive. A life ban is simply out of question for which there is no plausible explanation and yet nobody in media seems to point it out. PCB has no right to use players as slaves, they play for Pakistan not the autocratic PCB. Even the mainstream media has started its onslaught on the semi-dictatordship in Pakistan, and yet our shoddy sports experts (except for some) fail to seriously take on the absolute dictatorship and adhocism in PCB. Its all cotributing to a nation emotional about cricket yet illetarate about its dynamics thanks to our shoddy media. If only our cricketing experts stop impressing their similar class in PCB to flatter out their opponents in order to fetch up lucrative jobs in PCB, the situation has been much better.

Where are all our crciketing experts inlcuding you(Osman) when PCB continues its indiscriminate treatment of such promising stars such as Saqlain, Muhstaq, Azhar, Muhammad Wasim, Shahid Nazir, Muhammad Zahid and so on...Has any players in Australia ever been subject to such humiliating treatment? there may be a few exceptions, but its certainly not a custom anywhere except for Pakistan fo which media has to share the blame as well. Players respect is an unknown for PCB as well as media, and until we get to know that you are never going to produce fully committed professionals!!

I think most people are forgetting that Pakistan has tough series against South Africa, Australia and India around the corner, and those players who claim that there is too much international cricket and they need a break, are going to play another league in India.
This league also coincides with the domestic league in Pakistan, so if the PCB allows its international players to play in the ICL then the domestic league will suffer.
Farhat and Razzaq say that they should have been picked for other tournaments. I was happy that Farhat was left out of all those tournaments. He has never stood out for Pakistan when they needed him. If you don't get picked, instead of moaning and complaining about favouritism, work hard and make sure the fans know how good you are, such that if you aren't picked there is an uproar. People on the fringes like both Razzaq and Farhat were have every right to be dropped, so they shouldn't moan when they aren't picked. Look at the Australians. The Hussey brothers have been in amazing form for 6-7 years but were only picked recently. You didn't hear them complaining about favouritism. Pakistanis always seem to have this arrogance about them, and think they are bigger than the team.

The entire situation between Yousef and the board hasn't really been publicised so i don't want to comment on that. However Inzy has been a great servant to Pakistan, and when he was out of the team he fought HARD to get back, and he has given the PCB every opportunity to tell him whether he still has an International career but the answer from the PCB seems to be no, so i think he is ENTIRELY justified to look after his family and his future. I also think that Asim Kamal is justified because he has worked hard and performed well for Pakistan every time he plays but for some reason he just does not get selected, so with his increasing age, good luck to him in India.

I look at every person supporting the players on joining ICL and saying that the players have been " mishandled " by the PCB. I always find it absurd how a person who watches cricket closely can easily overlook the facts and figures. Can anyone answer me that when was the last time when Razzak was dropped from the Pakistan Squad, although he was avergaing below 20 from the last 15 ODI's and had taken just 4 wickets. Even then he was kept in the team ( probably on the account of seniority ). Isn't that enough of a chance one can get? Now, when he was dropped from a " not so major " tournament of cricket, he makes it an ego issue and retires from international cricket. This is what we call " Player power " which has to be eliminated from our cricket. Dropping of razzak was absolutely justified and he should not be considered for pakistan in the future.

Mhd yousuf's case is somehow closely similar. Once again i ask, when was the last time he was dropped from the team due to lack of fitness or form? Not lately i'd say. So once again, because of just ONE tournament he can turn his back on pakistan cricket and the billions of fans who have supported him all the way? Extremely sad; is the way i can put it.

I have no problems about inzamam's or farhat's signing the deal with the league because their future was surely not so bright with the international team.

Not many people had expected this from Mhd Yousuf and Abdul Razzak but my opinion about the reason ( which may sound unbelievable to many ) is plain greed and ego.

Competition is at the heart of capitalism and free market economy. It's a well known fact that by and large it works well (though there are some limitations but the net benefit is positive). I am glad that ICL is providing that competition to respective cricket boards, who have (so far) treated Cricket as their personal asset. If the players think that they are better off joining ICL, let's respect their decision. After all, it's their freedom of expression.

In order to answer this question, one has to think from the concerned parties’ shoes. As a player who would be ready to give up their national team position. And if they are a few in the list who are ready to do that, what made them to do so? As an administrating board of a cricket playing (loving) nation, why is a domestic circuit cricket lead to such a complexity which in turn has to be handled by firing players? From my point of view, the players aren't happy the way the board treats them. ICL is happy to make the most out of it as it is emerging as a new form of cricket which will thrive on broadcasting and air time. And from PCB's point of view it can be commitment from the player or just the fact that the old form of board is now threatened by a new form of cricket LEAGUE. The answer will be clear in the near future.

Years ago, when Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket started, Pakistan joined The ACB and the then TCCB (E&WCB)in banning its 5 cricketers. So did India and NewZealand (which had none!) in the World team. The WICB took the most logical step by not being involved in all the euphoria. PCB is repeating the same mistake now. Why ban its own players who will benefit financially, and it does not really affect us. This is almost exactly the same problem. But PCB's officials are too dumb to understand that.

Yes the players are right to join ICL. They make protest against the Board who has no respect for the senior players especially Mohd Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq. Both players had performed very well in the past and they have the potential to do alot in future but i dont know when this politics will go away from the cricket?

All the players who have signed with ICL are correct due to following reasons :

1 It is their basic right.
2 The way they were treated by PCB by not selecting them for 20 20 world cup, keeping in mind that Abdul Razzaq is highest wicket taker. When the Board can select Younis Khan than why not Mohammad Yousuf who has a bettter striking rate in ODIs and also in T20.
3 When thousand of Pakistani go abroad for work, job, business than why this cricketers cant go abroad to earn money.
4 When we can use the imported goods instead of Pakistani goods that why these cricketers cant play ICL.
5 When we look at the conditions of most of our retired players we will acknowledge that these players have made correct decision.

M Yousuf has every right to join whichever team/league he wants....

I love the Pakistani cricket team but I think people didn't give M Yousuf the respect he should have gotten.I mean he got respect but he is a world class player and not being picked in the twenty20 team was a major thing. Lots of people are sad that he is going but I think he has chosen the right thing to go to ICL.

A life ban on Mohammad Yousaf would be as big a loss to Pakistan Cricket as were the retirements of two living legends, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram. Undoubtedly Pakistan Cricket has not been able to replace the gap left by the two, and I fear that the fragile middle-order of the Pakistan team will not be able to cope with the loss of what I see as one of the finest middle-order batsman to have taken the field.

Only Mohammad Yousaf can explain the real reasons behind his decision, but it is evident now as has been in the past that relations between players and board officials are at the lowest point.

The loss of Imran Farhat and Abdul Razzaq is not one that the team can not cope with, as both can hardly justify selection at the top level. Abdul Razzaq has never been able to justify his spot as a leading all-rounder in Test cricket, his skills purely suited the One-Day game, yet managed to play so many Test matches. If anything he has the board and its officials to thank for allowing him to earn so many test caps. As for him being a 27 year old, thats something only to be laughed at.

As for Imran Farhat, there is no doubt that the stylish left-hander is talented, but when was the last time his contributions led to a victory for Pakistan Cricket. For a batsman at the top of the order he has a very poor record of 50's and 100's. He has been treated poorly by the board officials in recent past, but has he really strong arguments to justify that he deserves to have played as much cricket as he has at top-flight??

The issue on hand is about Mohammad Yousaf, and one that the board and the player need to resolve in order for a better future for Pakistan Cricket. Mistakes have obviously been made along the way, but none that can not be rectified.

Finally, Inzamam, what more can you say about the man. He has served Pakistan cricket for a long time and no one can dispute his talent and master class on with the bat. But unfortunately it is time to say Goodbye with honour to a great batsman. It is sadly the time to go for Inzy, both for himself and for the continous efforts to improve Pakistan Cricket.

Boards should not be so egoistic and threatened by such developments. Even ICC, after handling issues so poorly (test match forfeit, Woolmer's death, poor world cup, world cup hosting issues, etc) can not behave as if it owns the game.

For Pakistani & Indian players, boards should restrict players under contracts from participating but should encourage others as it can be a good platform for non-core players to demonstrate their talent.

Who knows, a new dravid/inzi/afridi might come out from ICL.

People just want good cricket. No one really cares if it is ICC/BCCI/PCB/etc or someone else ensuring it.

I think when twenty-twenty was about to start, people had reservations and now we are about to have an international T20 World Cup.

I think they have done the right thing because Yousuf has been ignored by the PCB despite his gr8 performances recently, especially in the Afro-Asia Cup. Also, Razzaq, 27, is still young and suitable to play Twenty-20. So leaving these guys without their own intent despite of their form and age is not right. PCB is always seen as one of the worst boards in the world and always in controversies. So the players are justified.

First of all what is ICL all about. it will only attract player who cannot preform at the highest level for their country. OR just some fragile player who cannot make it bigger in the INT'L level as they may be missing the killer instict to be at par to play. A normal board like BCCI or PCB can play the player unless they preform. and it is upto the player to show their mental and love for the game. We have a classic example of Sarvav Ganguly who was axe and no one even dream of him playing for INDIA again. but he worked himself and today he is the leading run getter in the series he has played and has been a backbone in the middle of the inning. it is only the determation that now we are able to say that this guy has another 2 more year of INT'L circket left on him.

Basically all the people who have join has really no hope of playing the higher level. now they will be playing only for money. and to make matter worse. In India the value of cricket if only for INT'L Matches. that too with the star they adhore like Dhoni / Sachin / Ganguly / Zehar .... Etc...... and with this people even playing the domostic cricket there is no response from the public..... you will be almost empty cricket stand for the chalanger / Ranji ... so the ICL will have all empty stadium... for this cricketer to play or else give free ticket for people to see. and the TPR for this cricket will be nothing compare to this people. even if we imange that this ICL will be playing. and we have a AUS VS ENG / IND / WI / SA palying.. the people will be watching this matches rather than the ICL matches as it is only for money and this INT'L matches are for PRIDE & HONOUR for their country.

ICL you have to work really hard. You are putting lot of money just because you have your own Channel. Bringing the expires star even of INT'L class will be of no use. so it is total useless for you trying to be an alternative to BCCI. if you want to succed than get the current player in your fold.......

They have done the right thing given the financial uncertainty facing players in their mid-30s, or so. This is their one last chance at making money, Inzamam and Yousaf are in their mid-30s, don't have much more active cricket left. Farhat and Razzaq in a sense have wasted their opportunities to represent Pakistan. These are people who have been elevated to the rank of "professional" but have not done enough about themselves or their game to maintain the necessary professionalism. You cannot compare Farhat to players like GC Smith, A Cook, M Ntini, or many others who have a certain ability but a lot of determination and professonalism. So what if they join the ICL for one last fling. After all, even if they play for Pakistan, they are likely to treat and be treated shabbily.O ne fact stands out however "muddy the cesspool" is - Pakistan cricketers are not professionals - the last time we had a professional team with an appropriate attitude was under Imran Khan and Wasim Akram.

It is neither a matter of right nor wrong and has a lot to do with the contracts that the players have with their boards. Those players who are not under contract are at liberty to play for any league. In this particular case, Inzy, Imran Farhat, Yusuf and Razzak were either not offered any central contracts by PCB or did not sign the contracts. In legal terms they are not bind by any commitment with PCB. In such a case they are not at fault nor have they breached any agreement.

PCB on the other hand wants to keep its authority on both contracted and non-contracted players and has threatened that players who elect to join ICL will not be selected in future to play for Pakistan. As a sports authority PCB like other sports bodies is desperately trying to keep all cricketers under its control. If PCB puts a ban on players playing in ICL, the players have the right to bring litigation against PCB and the courts may rule in favor of the players. I am not aware of a Law in Pakistan that excludes the players in any Sports to play for any league or competetion inside or outside the country.

The cricket players have the right to earn a living like any other citizen and can't be denied this right unless their schedules are in conflict with those of PCB or the players are under contracts that forbid them to join any league without the consent of PCB.

An autocratic institution like PCB is making a laughing stock of itself by threatening to destroy the careers of good players like Yusuf and others who are not in contract with PCB.

This matter should be handled diplomatically by PCB through discussions with the players or the association of players. Players can be selected on merit or dropped when they are doing poorly. The board has a duty to explain to the players the reason for their omission. It must not offend the players and respect the sensitive nature of the sportsmen who served their employers and country diligently for many years.

The players are justified in moving to the ICL. The PCB's treatment of current and retired players shows there is no future with this shambolic excuse for a cricket board.

In fact, I think more players like Younis, Shoaib, Malik, Kaneria and others should also join the ICL to send a stronger message to the PCB.

I'm a patriotic Pakistani Cricketer but I'm a human being first and I sympathize with the way our heroes have been treated.

It goes without saying that in true Pakistani tradition of going back on their own words and commitments ,that ICL will be recognised and MoYo will play for pakistan again. Simply because he is the one and only Pakistani decent batsman. Without him the already battered and bruised Pakistani team will be walloped by every team .
PCB will definetly recognise ICL soon just to get MoYO eleigible again.
They spoke like tigers that we will ban all players but now like cats they will go back on their commitments. History shows that Pakistan talks big and withour logic first and moment things dont go their way they change colors and statements and deny everythnig they have said.

A recent example of this was the recent doping drama carried out by PCB. First ban them to show to the world we are fair.Then twist words ,rules and what not to get asif/Akthar into the team.

yes but only those players who dont have central contract with the boards. insted of sitting idle if they play for ICL and make some money what problem BCCI OR BCCP has is hard to understand

I think they join ICL becasue

1. Inzmam was not given a contract and been made a scapegoat for WC and its a open secret that he will not be selected in a test series as well so he left with no other option then joining ICL.

2. In case of razak, I don't think it is Boards mistake other then they should call him before announcing the team as he was senior player. Razak should have anticipated it as he was not performing well for last two years and he need to go back to first class/ county cricket to get his ryhtm back but he choosed the other way to earn more mony so its his choice and goog luck to him.

3. Yousaf's case is all PCB fault. How on earth can some body accept being axed from the team to give a chance to a yead older proven ordinay player like Misbah. Can not be justified in any case. I seriously think his decion to join ICL is the result of that and it is nothing to do with money. So instead of talkign to Yousaf, the PCB should axed the selectors who is responsible for that and accept there fault and then try to bring him back.

4. Imran Frahat, I think he lucky that he got contract from ICL as he does not deserve to be in club cricket.

well, absolutely justified in joining ICL.

if footballers can get paid 50 million$ for playing 90 minutes of a game, out of which they might mostly play only about 75 minutes and be substituted, these cricketers would like some fair treatment too.

Anyway, when have we ever seen national pride in any cricket team other than Australia. Its just a money game.

PCB is in a mess. This can be gauged from the handling of recent issues such as:
1. Doping scandel.
2. World Cup 2007.
3. Insult of the country in general and players in particular following the sudden death of coach Bob Woolmer.
4. Selection of the captain.
5. Team selection for 20/20 World Cup.
I do not see what is the problem of these four players or for that matter any player playing for the ICL as long as they give priority to the national team, whenever selected.
We do not learn from history. Boards put a ban on players when they joined Kerry Packer's circus. It proved good for the game and players and despite being banned most players made it back into the national teams. They our still our heroes.
I think that in a similar way the ICL is going to be beneficial for the game and as such should be recognised by the boards and the ICC. Players on their part should give priority to the natiional teams, when selected. This will not only benefit the players but the boards will have a larger and better pool of players. It is going to be a win-win situation for the boards and the players.
As far as PCB is concerned, it is a victim of national adhocism in the true sense of the word. It is being run on whims by dictatorial policies and not according to any constitution. Little said the better.

Fact is Fact!
Atleast player justified themselves but PCB didn't. Thats the most critical point. So responsibilty lies with PCB not with players.

First of all why PCB has objection if any of their players join ICL? Most of the pak players in english countys some of the county cricket in other parts of the world, so what difference will it make when these very players play in one of the Cricket league. I do not understand what PCB is going to loose if they play in India? they r not playing any other game nor they r doing anything which will affect their playing ability, they r just playing cricket of which they r Professionals.
And why dose PCB wants to poke their nose between the BCCI and the ICL conflict if they have any?
Just let them play MAN!!!! and earn some handsome bugs.

PCB should recognise ICL. What is wrong people joining ICL as long as it doesn't hurt Pakistan Cricket. It is as good as people joining County Cricket with board's permission. If PCB thinks, their domestic league suffers then they can put some restrictions but not ban them. This is as much as loss for PCB to the players. PCB just don't blindly support the BCCI.

Why PCB talked about a life ban is beyond comprehension. ICL was not based in Pakistan, and had nothing to do with PCB. They rushed to judgement again for the sole purpose of pleasing others. Who cares if players join ICL as long as they are free to play for their own country. Plus this has nothing to do with patriotism of the players. If they play in ICL, it wont show that are less patriotic. These same players go to english counties then why such a hue and cry over ICL. Let them make money. Miandad is right. PCB's stance holds no legal backing. If a player goes to court against PCB for refusing to consider him, PCB will lose the case anyway.

Yes, the players made the right decision to join the ICL. After all, it is their career and their decisions do not effect any one but themselves. PCB should have never enforced the rule of banning the players joining the ICL. For players like Razzaq, and Yousuf, who were dropped from the squad for no apparent reason, does the PCB expect them to sit around and wait? They are talented cricketers, and ICL would only provide them with much practice. Razzaq and Farhat, being unable to perform at the international level need such practice. Under such rule, PCB might as well start banning all their players that play for English counties. Unfortunately, how it has been in Pakistan Cricket for the last 30 years or so, (with the exception of Imran Khan;s tenure)politicians and administrators seem to decide the future of the players rather than their merit, statistics and average. If anything, PCB should have tried to improve their own domestic cricket infrastructure so the players could get the much needed practice rather than trying to attain it through other leagues.

Mr. Samiuddin, the "Hammam" that you are referring to never existed, not at least in Pakistan. But, Pakistani's are famous for going to places and having ball of a time. This may just be the proverbial bathhouse but, you have summed it well by saying: "The deeper you delve, the more complex it gets; contradiction, hypocrisy, incompetence, lies, and sometimes facts, happily swim together in this cesspool, where nothing is really right or wrong." You are right that it is not as simple as black and white. But once again, there is a slight difference between the two and if you draw a thin line it will differentiate between the right and wrong, murky and clear, transparent and translucent.

Yourself and so many other experts have pointed out the details, therefore, we don't need to delve deeper in this mess. When you choose a jury to decide, they are always from among the common people especially, those who are not biased and have no access to other information. Again this is not the case here, 'coz in this information age with all the technology and resources that are available, we all have access to internet, TV and all sorts of media information that has built our biases and prejudices and we all have formed an opinion. The way I see it, I am biased against the PCB and blame them for this whole mess.

In other blogs I have expressed my sentiments that to play or not to play for the country is another matter but why ban them for life? Simply because the ICL is not recognized by the ICC and, the PCB feels obliged to echo "His Master's Voice" ? If the foreign players can play for British Counties for money they can also play for someone else too. It is true that the premature loss of Yousuf is bigger than the loss of the other three who joined the league. And it shall be felt more in test matches and 50 overs game. To spell it loudly that a life ban shall be imposed is a threat that is not going to work especially when someone has crossed that line.

The PCB can resolve this matter by swallowing its pride and by dealing with him on compassionate grounds and by admitting it as a mistake of the selectors for not choosing him for the twenty20 on some silly grounds that "he is old and slow" has hurt him even more by selecting his replacement (Misbahul Haq) who is a year older than him and a proven failure at the international level.

So, from now its a matter of Ego vs. Humility. The PCB must read the Aesop's Fable, "The Wind and the Sun" where the moral of the story is: "persuasion is better than force" or "kindness effects more than severity."

PS. I have a very strong feeling that this ICL business is not going to last long they will fizzle out soon. They already have many teething problems, money alone cannot buy everything - for everything else you have a MasterCard - and that is - people's sentiments and emotions. I am talking about the feelings of the spectators, viewers and they cannot be bought for money! There will be no competition no emotions and no support, it will only be like virtual cricket being played between international veterans and local novices.

Pakistan cricketer behave like children. If they think they are good. They have to prove to pcb by playing domestic cricket. Just Like ganguly did for India. Unlike Razaq who retired from international cricket just to do protest. Thats really immature. They forgot they are there where they are now just because of Pakistan. I wish Pakistan should not have those player who are very childish. As for pakistan have alot of talent and they will do great without them. Inshallah

I don't understand what is wrong with the ICL. The PCB should recognise it, and actually thank it because it will give the players who joined it excellent practice and encourage them to stay fit and in form. This will not only help the Pakistan team win matches, but will take them to the status that only Imran Khan was yet able to take.

In all honesty, I can't blame PCB for dropping Yousuf from the Twenty20 team. Its a game for a different breed of cricketers and Yousuf would be far more useful in One Dayers and specially the busy test coming soon. Razzak hardly deserves a place in the team anyway and his retirement is Pakistan's gain and Worcestershire's / ICLs loss. Imran Farhat does not really have the credentials to demand selection based on his past records. As for Inzy, well I personally would love to see him play for Pakistan for one more season, but objectively his time has almost come anyway. That said, why in the world did Misbah-ul-Haq get selected? Thats probably whats annoying most of the dropped players and driving them into retirement / ICL.

I think there are two sides to it. Every player has the right to make choice. Some made the choice to play in the ICl. Why? I think it all has to do with the money. They think that money is more important than playing for Pakistan. Some of these players accusing the PCB but what have than done lately. What about Pakistan?

Imran Frahat.
Tests 27 51 1 1655 128 33.10
ODIs 33 33 1 974 107 30.43

Is this any better average than any other opener in Pakistan? Is he better paler than Salman Butt, Hafeez, Imran Nazir They are better fielder but he is butter finger. All those catches he dropped in England series last year. I do not ever remember that he did something out of the ordinary that won the match single handedly for Pakistan. In other words what is the loss for Pakistan cricket? Probably zero.
Farhat, however, was awarded a central contract which he duly signed but was then released upon his request and went on to sign a contract with the Indian Cricket League. So he needs to shut up. and go.

Abdul Razzaq
Tests 46 77 9 1946 134 28.61
ODIs 231 198 49 4465 112 29.96
The last two years he is been hash wash. He plays one or two good inning a year. His bowling pace has dropped where marginal players are hitting all over ground in one dayrs I will take Shahid Afridi over him everyday. His fielding always has been below average. Most off all his fitness have lot to be desire too. In last two years his average is about 17 runs. On his day he can show lots of fire work but Some time he goes to the bat and forget that he suppose to score runs too. All this anger about the board that he was not treated right is B.S. he wanted to make money and play in ICL than should say so. He will probably be good there because they have not signed any good bowler yet. He was offered central contract but kept asking for more time to sign what….. I just would say good luck. Plus it will give chance too Fawad Alam, Yasir Arafat and others.
The loss for Pakistan cricket little but replaceable easily and I say it will create better balance in team too.

Inzamam-ul-Haq.
No records needed to describe him. He was already gone from one day cricket. He will be missed in test cricket. I wish it did not have happen this way. But he has little time left in cricket might as well make money for his future. I do not what was his future in test matches. Just good luck
The loss for Pakistan will be in test only and time it will be felt lot but the time for this was coming anyway.
Mohammad Yousuf
Did Jacques Kallis did sign with ICL because he was not picked for 20/20 either?
He is one player that’s loss will be felt whole lot for Pakistan. Puzzling question is why. Is this for money, not being caption, or not being in 20/20 or not enough respect from PCB? What ever the above is true but what about all the respect and love and prizes he received from Pakistani people. They are all for nothing. WHY? WHY?
All these people not getting enough respect from PCB but what about Pakistan, the country who gave them all this fame. These players suppose to play for Pakistan not PCB. If they were not playing for Pakistan than it is better for Pakistan. Million’s of Pakistanis playing cricket there will be other star shine in near future who will play for Pakistan first. Insha Allah.

100 Right Usman. Although palyers have al the rights to join ICL. But the punch line lies here "Ultimately, that the only active internationals to sign are from Pakistan says as much about the players as it does about the board, but it says most about the traditionally fractious relationship between the two."

Although I am in the favour of ICL But I am sad that our great players will join the avergae retired and first calss players.

The players are absolutely right. They have every single right to play the game of cricket no matter where its played.. and as for the PCB.. its really a shame.. it really is. what they have done to the cricket in our country in the past few years is just plain stupidity. PCB should think twice before dropping yousuf and razzaq from the national squads.

I agreed. Yousaf should be playing in 20-20. PCB has made big mistake. Pakistan did not play anything after world cup, when PCB Chairman compare Dravid, Ganguly and Tendulkar being not going to 20-20. They had recently played full series in England (3 test, 7 ODI) Infact they are still playing ODI. So, they need rest, where as Yousad should be in the team. I think PCB should rethink its policy. Pakistan can not afford to loose Yousaf.
I think we Pak fan should protest against it and file some petition.

I guess ICL is just a platform for cricketers to play more cricket. I know when I am in good nick i want to play as much as possible and it is true for anyone who love his game. ICL can very much be like English County. IF PCB is recognicing English County (maybe cause its an ECB thingy) then they must recognise ICL as well, irrespective if ICB recognise it or not. For pakistani players, if they can play County they should be able to pay ICL. however, if PCB don't want anyone to play ICL cause it may not be good for there fitness (primarily bowlers) they should compensate them for that like they did Muhammad Asif and Umer Gul for not playing county cricket.

Razzak and Farhat have simmillar complaints. " You don't need me so I don't need you. They are lucky that ICL is around, otherwise who else would they have used to get back at PCB. This must be making them feel all good and powerful. They expect to be selected not based on their performances ( which have been pathetic of late) but based on their reputations. " What can my country do for me, Not what I can do for my country".

Right or wrong - the playesr have made their choice and they have to live with it. Its not the end of the world - NO ONE is indispensable! If Pakistan become a succesful side (which I am convinced they will be under Lawson) over the coming months - nobody will care about these guys. I don't understand why Pakistan players feel they are owed anything - they get PAID TO PLAY CRICKET, not many people get that opportunity!!! Why can't they move on with a bit of integrity? Not much to ask for.

Sorry.The decision came as a bolt from blue especially from someone like Mohd.Yusuf who I regarded once as a good and humble human being before this recent development.Can Yusuf imagine how me and his other fans have been praying for him to do well at the International level.I have been such keen a follower of his that I never used to sleep hours thinking when is he going to make his next hundred.I met him once at Gaddafi stadium,Lahore when England were about to play test series in December,2005.He was a recent converter then.I told him that when people point out the excellence of Ponting and Dravid as a true modern cricket icons,they degrade Yusuf and laugh at my role model by saying Yusuf is nowhere near them as he has couple of cheap double hundreds as opposed to Ponting and Dravid who are the backbone of their sides.Yusuf replied:"you are the one who when pray make us perform well.So keep on praying for me to do what Ponting or Dravid has(as you pointed out)done for their respective countries.Believe me so humble he was that moment to display his integrity and loyalty with his country that I thought he would be the frontrunner in rejecting the ICL offer now.He cant imagine how I prayed day and night before Lords and Oval test match for him to make elusive hundreds on the England territory.During the matches,I had my hands aloft when the catches were put down at the Headingly and Oval cricket ground.Story didnt end there as I prayed to Almighty that may Yusuf break Ponting's record in a calendar year in test matches.He went on to break Viv Richard's record of 1710 runs in an year.Could he imagine the prayers of hundreds of fans like me who pray for his longer stay at the crease to surpass the feats of modern greats like Ponting or Dravid and the catches dropped during that tense period when I and his other fans had tears trickling down from their eyes.I have been a keen follower of his since he started his career in league cricket in England.I always dreamt him to be as great a player as Javed,Ponting or atleast Dravid.I know he has shown Dravid-like resilience in recent years but can he just spare a thought for those poor people who pray for his stardom at the expense of their hectic daily routines and schedules.I am weeping and have a gushing heart.I dont know his cell no. or address to inform him how I loved him like a parent loves his child.Still I do and am praying to Almighty that may Allah make him aware of patriotism and help him change his mind to start relish playing once again for Pakistan.I might have a new lease of life if Allah accepts my prayer like He did last year when all my prayers were answered in the affirmative.
I know P.C.B should have given him one chance atleast in the upcoming mega event of 20/20 championship but they totally discarded him citing various reasons as you know.It was a shock to me honestly but atleast I had the consolation of him featuring in other International assignments to achieve goals like making an elusive hundred against SouthAfrica but alas!I haven't been able to digest his defection at all.The more I think about it,the more heart dips and more i weep.I was searching a medium to convey Yusuf all these true bitter memories and realities that not only me but any true friend would have with this decision.Dear Yusuf,I will keep praying to Almighty for your change of mind untill and unless you discard ICL and keep your loyalties with Pakistan cricket.I quote an event here.During PakIND Series in 2004 in Pakistan,an old lady met Dravid's men at the border and wished them good luck.She was unbelievably pleased to meet them.Dravid's eyes filled with tears and he was so inspired by her patriotism that he displayed her picture in team's dressing room saying it is for these people that we play our game not for fame or money.
I hope Yusuf gets the message through any source and remeber my words said to him back in 2005. Dear Yusuf,lust for money is endless and love and prayers of nation and the disheartened poor fans like me(who don't have millions like you)dwarfs the cheap effort.I hope and pray to Almighty Allah that may all my previous prayers be fruitful with this one of him(Yusuf) not to be thrown into oblivion by joining the Indian league and break the hearts of fans with loads and lust of money.
Shahzeb,a truly dejected but optimistic man on earth right now.Allah Hafiz,Yusuf.

I think the players should not be greedy for money, as for yousuf its good they kept him out of twenty20 because he can not play well in that format of the game, i mean hes a slow starter we need more all rounders and hard hitters there. Now the board have a duty towards them which is to be sincere at selecting people if they dropped yousuf they cant subsequently opt for misbah , i mean thats kind of an embarrasement for yousuf that a player who is well over 30 not a youngster by any means has been prefered over him. As for ICL it should get recognized by BCCI who manage the cricketing affairs in India, like counties in England are affliated with ECB same goes for ICL. Otherwise tomorrow we are going to see some other Leagues coming up offering players lot of money and soon we will see no one will be interested to play for their own country. Do you people get this? The league is well suited for people like Inzi or Lara who are done with their intl. career. Though I agree the way PCB manages their cricketing affairs is not the right and definitely not the best way. Players taking retirement from International cricket over selection issues shows how weak they are , that they cant even improve themselves and fight for their place to be in the national team. All I can say is that I hope these players think twice before making any sort of committment with ICL, and I wish Pakistan all the best in the upcoming 20-20.

Yes, our PCB is not fair with great players, so there is nothing bad with the players joining ICL and not playing for the country. our selectors should be taught a lesson this way. they are always rude with older players

i think there is no harm for players to join the ICL. its just another club, just like playing a county in England.
Also, I think if Yousaf has joined the ICL as a retaliation to the PCB, he has all right to do so as a player of no class, consistancy or any sort of form is being preffered over Youasf who has become a legend for Pakistan cricket.

I just don't understand, How any player, playing in ICL would be any different than playing the county or any other league or whatever format of cricket!!!

Can PCB or BCCI can really be legitimate to ban or even threaten the players? If the are that it is a real hypocrisy Since they themselves allow their player to play in other than their setup. I think all the cricketers in all playing nations should get together and talk it out.
And that is why all countries should have a Representative body for the players so their boards can not be unilateral on all issues.

I think that was not the right time for players to join ICL , as it is clearly said by Dr. Ashraf that when ICL will be approved by ICC we will change our policies , I also think Inzamam and Farhat did the right thing to join ICL cauz I dont think Inzamam has any future with PCB and Farhat has not much talent , guts and consistency to b a part of International Team , but I dont think Yousuf and Razzaq have taken a right step to join ICL , cauz they both have a bright future with PCB . I hope they both (Yousuf & Razzaq) must think again and wait till 20-20 world cup . Lets see what will happen after 20-20 cup .

I agree with Javed Miandad as players should not be banned. the simple logic is that the players are free to join county cricket and play exhibition matches as long as they are free from Pakistan team commitment. Yes, if they prefer ICL over Pakistan team commitment, then they should be banned. But here is the caveat, PCB has no policy about giving players choice when they are playing with county etc. I think, they should come up with such policy and then apply it unformly to all players, not to only juniors.

Yes, the players has alright to join ICL. Cricket is a career and every player should benefit greatly for their contribution to cricket. We have seen in countries where players are not given a fair treatmenty for all their contribution to their countries. Prime example is Brian charles Lara, West Indies does not appreciates the greatness of him. So by all means sell your trade to the highest bidder.

I have big concern about BCCI and their logic. It is ok for INdian player to represent the foreign Country League tournament like many player has participated in england and other country to advance their cricket career but strange that they are banned to participate in their own country league ICL. BCCI is clearly dictating the player and monoplized by power of Money. I do not see anything wrong having ICL creating a platform from youngster to participate and advance their career. I hope BCCI think this carefully instead of being a dictator and threaten players who had already contributed and new young players who are seeking an opportunity to grow gets opprtunity to play in this competitive environment. God Bless Cricket in INDIA. Money doesn't rule always. Reconsider and compromise (ICL & BCCI)and create an healthy environment for those cricketers to enhance their skill and obtain playing opportunity.

All the four Pakistani players did well to join ICL. It was their wish and nobody can stop them not even the PCB. PCB's tretment of these players was responsible for this hapenning.I wish them all well.

I can't imagine a Pakistan squad without the likes of Razzaq or Yousuf.But I think the PCB is being extreamly partial and strict.If they want the spirit of cricket to be alive in Pakistan,they should think about loosening the rope around the Pakistan Team.

Players = Razzak and yousufshould not have joned the ICL because they had a clear future with Pakistan Cricket.
PCB = Should be more friendly and be in contact with the players twice a week or as needed.and always talk very friendly with good players.

It isn't about the players being right or wrong. It is about choice. ICL provides a choice, another avenue. Lets the masses decide if that is to succeed or fail. The boards have no business 'banning' players. Can they legally refuse to let someone play for their nation if they play elsewhere ? How come internationals play in county cricket ? How can this be enforced in any manner ? Is there any sample BCCI contract to look at and see if this is actually stipulated!
Perhaps you can punish a player for not participating in a boardorganized event, e.g. picking ICL over a twenty 20 world cup. But not for playing in his time off.

I understand the moral issues, especially within the context of Pakistani society. But one should not forget that contracted cricketers are bound by an employer, the PCB. The PCB rightfully puts in clauses to protect its assets... one such clause is that a player will seek permission before playing street cricket or any other type of cricket. Afterall, you don't want your asset to get injured in an uncontrolled enviornment and outside the scope of the PCBs goals. Anyway, as I understand it, ICL is just a 20-20 tournament and contracted players should seek permission or face the consequences. Cleary, Yousef is the issue, and $2m is not chump change.

I guess that a very important point that everyone seems to forget/"Evilize" is that there is a lot of money involved. If I am correct ICL offered Muhammad Asif an amount of Rs. 100 million - which by any standard is really high. If we compare it with what he is getting right now we would probably be able to understand why all these people ended up joining ICL. I beleive that Asif would at max end up making about Rs. 5 million a year if he stays with PCB which means that he will have to spend about 20 years with PCB to come up to that amount and a bowler's life by all stretch of imagination would not go that far. I think that as long as ICL's itenary does not clash with that of one's country there should be no problem, yet we see PCB trying to ensure that cricketers do not make money ... I mean more money than that made by the officials of PCB. I guess that everyone tries to find their happiness in the misery of others and that applies here as well. I am still unclear as to what is so appalling about ICL that PCB has struck to the notion of banning them in case they join ICL, I mean they are still playing for their respective counties. The joining of Muhammad Yousaf has been the biggest blow so far and I sincerely hope that PCB might find it in their hearts to recognize that there is something very very wrong within the ranks of the board itself and we for one would stop finding our misery in the happiness of others.

These are ALL great comments from everyone, however, will PCB ever get these messages delivered to them? Who's going to "Print" these comments out and hand it to them?

To me, we're ALL great fans of the game, but we will continue to beat our heads against the wall until someone takes action against PCB!!!!!!!

IMRAN KHAN? Could he be answer?

hello to everybody!
i am really stunned by the reaction of all the boards of playing countries.
first of all everybody in this world wants to live a solid life where there are no problems for him.now cricket is a professional's game.so when u join a profession u want to give your maximum effort to get maximum available benefit from your organization same goes here,if you are paid handsomely u have to do job with full devotion.
i have no problem with any of the players because if you will not allow anybody to do his job he has every chance to work for his life.
2ndly if players are allowed to play county cricket then what is the problem with ICL.because they are earning a very good money.
3rdly what is the problem of ICC,why are they not accepting ICL if they have given acceptance to county,then they must give same to ICL.
why everybody think of this to be an oppurtunity for the Indian cricket development as well.
as a keen lover and follower of the game i always think of great role models like lara,mcgrath,inzi,warnie. if i had a chance to play with these guys for free i will go for it.
fourthly and finall i really think yousuf and razzaq really do have the potential to make the cut for pak team. bcoz you are only left with only one accomplishe middle order player that is Younis khan if he goes early u only have sloggers,there is no one whomö around u can go for big scores as still though it is 20-20 but u still need a strong mind to make others think how to get you out cheeply.
i also think that Inzamam should be given one last farewell series to make a positive trend of players seeing off their careers. i dont like to see inzi going the same as waqar, waseem,saeed n lots of other went by...
wishing the pak team best of luck....
thanks...
imran abbas

It will be sad to see if Mohd Yousuf is no longer Pakistan Kit. If you remember what happened some 30 years ago with kerry packer league, when Imran and his boys were dumped and Pakistan was getting washed out in the field. I hope PCB makes the right decision and let these guys play in ICL and not banned them for life. After all cricket is their bread and butter. Most of these guys will not come close to see this kind of money if they are working 9-5 in some cooperate world. If we can allow them to go and play county cricket and when time comes to join your national side, ICL should be treated just the same way. I dont see no harm in accepting ICL. Why PCB is acting like