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{{short description|Cricket league that operated from 2007 to 2009}}
{{Short description|Defunct cricket league that operated from 2007 to 2009}}
{{For|the IPL|Indian Premier League}}
{{Copy edit|date=September 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}}

{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=June 2023}}
{{Update|type=article|date=November 2010}}
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=April 2016}}
}}
{{Infobox sports league
{{Infobox sports league
|tournament name = Indian Cricket League
|native_name = इंडियन क्रिकेट लीग
|image =
|image =
|image_size = 220px
|image_size =
|sport = [[Cricket]]
|sport = [[Cricket]]
|founded = 2007
|founded = 2007
|folded = 2009
|folded = 2009
|teams =10 city teams, 4 international teams
|teams = 9 [[#City teams|city teams]], 4 [[#ICL World teams|international teams]]
|divisions =9
|divisions = 9
|country={{Plainlist|
|country={{flagicon|IND}} [[India]] <br /> {{flagicon|PAK}} [[Pakistan]] <br /> {{flagicon|BAN}} [[Bangladesh]] <br /> World XI
* {{flag|India}}
|champion= [[Lahore Badshahs]] (2008/09)
* {{flag|Pakistan}}
* {{flag|Bangladesh}}
* World XI}}
|champion= Lahore Badshahs (2008/09)
}}
}}
The '''Indian Cricket League''' ('''ICL''') was a short-lived [[cricket]] league that ran from 2007 to 2009. It was sponsored by [[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]], a media company. The ICL had two seasons, featuring four international teams and nine domestic teams from [[India]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Bangladesh]]. The matches were played in the [[Twenty20]] format. A 50-over tournament was also held in early 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 50s |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-50s-2007-08-335860 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>


The ICL faced significant opposition from the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) and the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC). The BCCI did not approve of the ICL and launched its own rival league, the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL), in 2008. The BCCI also banned the players who joined the ICL from playing for their national teams or in any other official tournaments. The IPL was more popular and successful than the ICL, leading to the ICL's collapse in 2009, ending its brief and controversial existence.


== Background ==
'Rebel' cricket leagues and fixtures played without backing from international boards and the [[International Cricket Council]] had been attempted before. Most notably, [[World Series Cricket]], introduced in 1977 by broadcasting tycoon [[Kerry Packer]], had proved the viability of cricket as a commercial product despite the league's short lifespan. In the 1980s, many international cricketers [[South African rebel tours|toured South Africa]] whilst the country was under a [[Sporting boycott of South Africa during the apartheid era|sporting boycott]] due to [[apartheid]], often sponsored by private companies. Both these attempts resulted in pushback from international cricket authorities. World Series Cricket were the subject of litigation, and were not permitted to use recognised cricket stadiums or language like ''<nowiki/>'Test Match''', so instead had to use stadiums intended for other sports and invent new terminology such as 'Supertest'. In the case of the latter, many cricketers received bans from their respective national teams for participating in these tours. As a result, the tours eventually came to an end, a few years before apartheid ended in South Africa and the sporting boycott was lifted.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weaver |first=Paul |date=2010-01-11 |title=English rebels who ignored apartheid cause still show a lack of shame |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jan/11/rebel-tour-1990-england-players-south-africa |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-01-03 |title='Rebels' to sue South Africa board |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/2625193.stm |access-date=2024-09-15 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rebel tours to South Africa may get ICC recognition |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rebel-tours-to-south-africa-may-be-recognised-308994 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>


In the early 2000s, the [[England and Wales Cricket Board]] (ECB) were looking for a way to market the game to a younger audience. Their solution was a new [[Twenty20|twenty-over competition]] to be played between counties. The resulting [[T20 Blast|Twenty20 Cup]], later renamed the T20 Blast, was a success and drew large crowds during its first season in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-01-13 |title=T20 timeline: Revolution to uncertainty |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/t20-timeline-revolution-to-uncertainty-820517 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weaver |first=Paul |date=2009-05-25 |title=Usman Afzaal gives Surrey winning start but absent fans fuel concerns |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/may/25/usman-afzaal-surrey-middlesex-twenty20 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Similar competitions sprung up in [[Pakistan]], [[Australia]] and the [[West Indies]]. Eventually, the ICC sanctioned the first official [[ICC Men's T20 World Cup|Men's T20 World Cup]] in [[2007 Twenty20 Cricket World Championship|2007]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-03-24 |title=Is twenty plenty? |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdencricketer/content/story/286573.html |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Cricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
The '''Indian Cricket League (ICL)''' was a short-lived [[cricket]] league that ran from 2007 to 2009. It was sponsored by [[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]], a media company. The ICL had two seasons, featuring four international teams and nine domestic teams from [[India]], [[Pakistan]] and [[Bangladesh]]. The matches were played in the [[Twenty20]] format, which was new and exciting at the time. The ICL also planned to have a 50-over tournament, but it never happened.


The [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] sent a young side to participate in the World Cup, due to their skepticism over the format's viability. Despite their inexperience, the Indian side won the tournament. Two months later, the inaugural season of the Indian Cricket League began without backing from the BCCI, who deemed the participants 'rebels' and excluded them from the Indian side.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Premachandran |first=Dileep |date=2007-09-26 |title=Great win, but easy on the chest-thumping |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/sep/26/cricket.worldtwenty202007 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-30 |title=Remembering Indian Cricket League, the 'rebel' that led to IPL would have turned 10 today |url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/remembering-indian-cricket-league-the-rebel-that-led-to-ipl-would-have-turned-10-today-4235115.html |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref>
The ICL faced significant opposition from the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) and the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC). The BCCI did not approve of the ICL and launched its own rival league, the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL), in 2008. The IPL was more popular and successful than the ICL, attracting more players, sponsors and fans.


== League structure ==
The BCCI also banned the players who joined the ICL from playing for their national teams or in any other official tournaments. This was a big blow for the ICL, as many of its players were former or current stars of international cricket. Some of them tried to return to the BCCI fold, but they had to face legal and financial hurdles. Combined with pressure from the more popular IPL, these issues caused the ICL to collapse in 2009, ending its brief and controversial existence.
Each team was coached by a former international cricketer and composed of four international, two Indian and eight domestic players. The [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) was assured that it was free to draw from ICL's talent pool. The league became active in November 2007 with matches in the Twenty20 format. Former international cricketers including [[Tony Greig]], [[Dean Jones (cricketer)|Dean Jones]] and [[Kiran More]] were hired as board members of the Indian Cricket League.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zee Sports denies signing of stars |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/zee-sports-denies-signing-of-stars-294055 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first = Roma|last = Khanna|url = http://www.cricketnext.com/news/bccis-own-now-have-a-new-job/24999-13.html|title = BCCI's own now have a new job|publisher=CricketNext|date = 14 May 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13|archive-date = 16 June 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070616085039/http://www.cricketnext.com/news/bccis-own-now-have-a-new-job/24999-13.html|url-status = dead}}</ref>


==Background==
=== City teams ===
The city teams were club teams located in major cities in India, along with [[Lahore]] in Pakistan and [[Dhaka]] in Bangladesh.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s Grand Championship Teams List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-grand-championship-2007-08-340231/teams |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20-20 Indian Championship Teams List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20-20-indian-championship-2008-09-369734/teams |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> 2007-08 season's 20-20 Indian Championship and 50s only featured Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai teams<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20-20 Indian Championship Squads List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20-20-indian-championship-2007-08-303573/squads |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 50s Teams 2008 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-50s-2007-08-335860/teams |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> while Ahmedabad and Lahore teams joined in the 20s Grand Championship,<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s Grand Championship Squads List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-grand-championship-2007-08-340231/squads |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> and Dhaka team joined in 2008-09 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20-20 Indian Championship Squads List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20-20-indian-championship-2008-09-369734/squads |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
'Rebel' cricket leagues and fixtures played without backing from international boards and the [[International Cricket Council]] had been attempted before. Most notably, [[World Series Cricket]], introduced in 1977 by broadcasting tycoon [[Kerry Packer]], had proved the viability of cricket as a commercial product despite the league's short lifespan. In the 1980s, many international cricketers [[Rebel tours|toured South Africa]] whilst the country was under a [[Sporting boycott of South Africa during the apartheid era|sporting boycott]] due to [[apartheid]], often sponsored by private companies. Both these attempts resulted in pushback from international cricket authorities. World Series Cricket were the subject of litigation, and were not perimitted to use recognised cricket stadiums or language like 'Test Match', so had to instead use stadiums intended for other sports and invent new terminology such as 'Supertest'. In the case of the latter, many cricketers received bans from their respective national teams for participating in these tours. As a result, the tours eventually came to an end, a few years before apartheid ended in South Africa and the sporting boycott was lifted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rebel tours to South Africa may get ICC recognition |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rebel-tours-to-south-africa-may-be-recognised-308994 |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}

* Chandigarh Lions<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chandigarh Lions Cricket Team {{!}} ChLns {{!}} Chandigarh Lions Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/chandigarh-lions-316597 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
In the early 2000s, the [[England and Wales Cricket Board]] (ECB) were looking for a way to market the game to a younger audience. Their solution was a new [[Twenty20|twenty-over competition]] to be played between counties. The resulting [[T20 Blast|Twenty20 Cup]], later renamed the T20 Blast, was a success and drew large crowds during its first season in 2003. Similar competitions sprung up in [[Pakistan]], [[Australia]] and the [[West Indies]]. Eventually, the ICC sanctioned the first official [[ICC Men's T20 World Cup|Men's T20 World Cup]] in [[2007 Twenty20 Cricket World Championship|2007]].
* Chennai Superstars<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chennai Superstars Cricket Team {{!}} CStrs {{!}} Chennai Superstars Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/chennai-superstars-316596 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

* Delhi Jets / Delhi Giants<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delhi Giants Cricket Team {{!}} Giant {{!}} Delhi Giants Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/delhi-giants-316591 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
The [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] sent a young side to participate in the World Cup, due to their skepticism over the format's viability. Despite their inexperience, the Indian side won the tournament. Two months later, the inaugural season of the Indian Cricket League began without backing from the BCCI, who deemed the participants 'rebels' and excluded them from the Indian side.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-30 |title=Remembering Indian Cricket League, the 'rebel' that led to IPL would have turned 10 today |url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/remembering-indian-cricket-league-the-rebel-that-led-to-ipl-would-have-turned-10-today-4235115.html |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}</ref>
* Hyderabad Heroes<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hyderabad Heroes Cricket Team {{!}} HydHr {{!}} Hyderabad Heroes Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/hyderabad-heroes-316592 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

* Kolkata Tigers / Royal Bengal Tigers<ref>{{Cite web |title=Royal Bengal Tigers Cricket Team {{!}} RylTg {{!}} Royal Bengal Tigers Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/royal-bengal-tigers-316593 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
==League structure==
* Mumbai Champs<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mumbai Champs Cricket Team {{!}} MumCh {{!}} Mumbai Champs Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/mumbai-champs-316595 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
Each team was coached by a former international cricketer and composed of four international, two Indian and eight budding domestic players. Essel Group also planned to set up cricket academies all over the country. The [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]] (BCCI) was assured that it was free to draw from ICL's talent pool. The league became active in November 2007 with matches in the Twenty20 format.
* Ahmedabad Rockets<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ahmedabad Rockets Cricket Team {{!}} AhRck {{!}} Ahmedabad Rockets Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/ahmedabad-rockets-340366 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

* Lahore Badshahs<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lahore Badshahs Cricket Team {{!}} LhBsh {{!}} Lahore Badshahs Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/lahore-badshahs-340365 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
Former international cricketers including [[Tony Greig]], [[Dean Jones (cricketer)|Dean Jones]] and [[Kiran More]] were hired as board members of the Indian Cricket League.<ref>{{cite news |author = Cricinfo staff|url = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/294055.html|title = Zee Sports denies signing of stars|publisher = Cricinfo|date = 14 May 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13}}</ref> The board positions were to be paid positions.<ref>{{cite news|first = Roma|last = Khanna|url = http://www.cricketnext.com/news/bccis-own-now-have-a-new-job/24999-13.html|title = BCCI's own now have a new job|publisher = CricketNext|date = 14 May 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13|archive-date = 16 June 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070616085039/http://www.cricketnext.com/news/bccis-own-now-have-a-new-job/24999-13.html|url-status = dead}}</ref>
* Dhaka Warriors<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dhaka Warriors Cricket Team {{!}} Dhaka {{!}} Dhaka Warriors Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/dhaka-warriors-369930 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>

{{Div col end}}
=== City Teams ===
*Nine of the teams were club teams located in major cities in India, as well as [[Lahore]] in Pakistan and [[Dhaka]] in Bangladesh.
*These teams participated in two of the ICL's competitions: the Indian Championship and the Grand Championship. The Indian Championship originally did not include Lahore or Ahmedabad, which were introduced in the Grand Championship later that season. The Dhaka team were introduced in the 2008-09 Indian Championship, the only competition to feature all 9 teams.
**[[Mumbai Champs]]
**[[Chennai Superstars]]
**[[Chandigarh Lions]]
**[[Hyderabad Heroes]]
**[[Royal Bengal Tigers (sports team)|Royal Bengal Tigers (Kolkata)]]
**[[Delhi Jets|Delhi Giants]]
**[[Ahmedabad Rockets]]
**[[Lahore Badshahs]]
**[[Dhaka Warriors]]
* Each team had a paid [[mentor]], media manager, [[psychologist]] and [[physiotherapist]]
* There was a US$1 million prize for the winning club team
* An [[Ombudsman#India|Ombudsman]] was available to look into grievances of players

===ICL World teams===
The ICL World teams participated in an additional competition, the ICL World Series. They did not play against the city teams.

'''ICL World XI'''

*[[Chris Harris (cricketer)|Chris Harris]]
*[[Damien Martyn]]
*[[Chris Cairns]] – Captain
*[[Ian Harvey]]
*[[Jimmy Maher]]
*[[Johan van der Wath]]
*[[Lou Vincent]] – Wicket-Keeper
*[[Marvan Atapattu]]
*[[Matthew Elliott (cricketer)|Matthew Elliot]]
*[[Michael Kasprowicz]]
*[[Russel Arnold]]

'''ICL India'''

*[[Steve Rixon]] – Coach
*[[Rajagopal Satish]] – Captain
*[[Abbas Ali (cricketer)|Abbas Ali]]
*[[Abhishek Jhunjhunwala]]
*[[Abu Nacheem]]
*[[Ali Murtaza]]
*[[Ambati Rayudu]]
*[[Ganapathi Vignesh]]
*[[Ibrahim Khaleel]] – Wicket-Keeper
*[[Love Ablish]]
*Ravi Raj Patil
*[[Rohan Gavaskar]]
*[[Stuart Binny]]
*[[Syed Mohammed]]
*[[Thiru Kumaran]]
*[[TP Sudhindra]]
*Sarbjit Singh
*[[Sumit Kumar]] – Wicket-Keeper
*Tejinder Pal Singh
*V. Sarvanan
*A. Ansuman

'''ICL Pakistan'''

*[[Moin Khan]] – Coach
*[[Inzamam-ul-Haq]] – Captain
*[[Azhar Mahmood]]
*[[Taufeeq Umar]]
*[[Imran Farhat]]
*[[Rana Naved-ul-Hasan]]
*[[Abdul Razzaq (Pakistani cricket player)|Abdul Razzaq]]
*[[Naved Latif]]
*[[Humayun Farhat]]
*[[Shahid Nazir]]
*[[Hasan Raza (cricketer, born 1982)|Hasan Raza]]
*[[Mohammad Sami]]
*[[Imran Nazir (cricketer)|Imran Nazir]]
*[[Riaz Afridi]]
*[[Shabbir Ahmed (cricketer)|Shabbir Ahmed]]

'''ICL Bangladesh'''


=== ICL World teams ===
The ICL World teams participated in an additional competition, the ICL World Series. They did not play against the city teams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s World Series Teams List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-world-series-2008-09-376892/teams |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> 2007-08 season only featured World XI, India and Pakistan teams<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s World Series Squads List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-world-series-2007-08-344709/squads |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> while Bangladesh team joined in 2008-09 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s World Series Squads List |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-world-series-2008-09-376892/squads |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! ICL World XI<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL World XI Cricket Team {{!}} ICL World XI {{!}} ICL World XI Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/icl-world-xi-344712 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> || ICL India XI<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL India XI Cricket Team {{!}} ICL India XI {{!}} ICL India XI Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/icl-india-xi-344710 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> || ICL Pakistan XI<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL Pakistan XI Cricket Team {{!}} ICL Pak XI {{!}} ICL Pakistan XI Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/icl-pakistan-xi-344711 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref> || ICL Bangladesh XI<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL Bangladesh XI Cricket Team {{!}} ICLBD {{!}} ICL Bangladesh XI Team News and Matches |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/team/icl-bangladesh-xi-376274 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|valign=top|
* [[Chris Harris (cricketer)|Chris Harris]]
* [[Damien Martyn]]
* [[Chris Cairns]] ([[Captain (cricket)|c]])
* [[Ian Harvey]]
* [[Jimmy Maher]]
* [[Johan van der Wath]]
* [[Lou Vincent]] ([[Wicket-keeper|wk]])
* [[Marvan Atapattu]]
* [[Matthew Elliott (cricketer)|Matthew Elliot]]
* [[Michael Kasprowicz]]
* [[Russel Arnold]]
|valign=top|
* [[Steve Rixon]] – Coach
* [[Rajagopal Satish]] ([[Captain (cricket)|c]])
* [[Abbas Ali (cricketer)|Abbas Ali]]
* [[Abhishek Jhunjhunwala]]
* [[Abu Nacheem]]
* [[Ali Murtaza]]
* [[Ambati Rayudu]]
* [[Ganapathi Vignesh]]
* [[Ibrahim Khaleel]] ([[Wicket-keeper|wk]])
* [[Love Ablish]]
* Ravi Raj Patil
* [[Rohan Gavaskar]]
* [[Stuart Binny]]
* [[Syed Mohammed]]
* [[Thiru Kumaran]]
* [[TP Sudhindra]]
* Sarbjit Singh
* [[Sumit Kumar]] ([[Wicket-keeper|wk]])
* Tejinder Pal Singh
* V. Sarvanan
* A. Ansuman
|valign=top|
* [[Moin Khan]] – Coach
* [[Inzamam-ul-Haq]] ([[Captain (cricket)|c]])
* [[Azhar Mahmood]]
* [[Taufeeq Umar]]
* [[Imran Farhat]]
* [[Rana Naved-ul-Hasan]]
* [[Abdul Razzaq (Pakistani cricket player)|Abdul Razzaq]]
* [[Naved Latif]]
* [[Humayun Farhat]]
* [[Shahid Nazir]]
* [[Hasan Raza (cricketer, born 1982)|Hasan Raza]]
* [[Mohammad Sami]]
* [[Imran Nazir (cricketer)|Imran Nazir]]
* [[Riaz Afridi]]
* [[Shabbir Ahmed (cricketer)|Shabbir Ahmed]]
|valign=top|
* [[Balwinder Sandhu]] – Coach
* [[Balwinder Sandhu]] – Coach
* [[Habibul Bashar]] – Captain
* [[Habibul Bashar]] ([[Captain (cricket)|c]])
* [[Aftab Ahmed (Bangladeshi cricketer)|Aftab Ahmed]]
* [[Aftab Ahmed (Bangladeshi cricketer)|Aftab Ahmed]]
* [[Alok Kapali]]
* [[Alok Kapali]]
Line 132: Line 117:
* [[Shahriar Nafees]]
* [[Shahriar Nafees]]
* [[Tapash Baisya]]
* [[Tapash Baisya]]
|}


==Tournaments==
== Tournaments ==
{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}
===First season===
=== 2007-08 season results ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Results for 2007-08 ICL Season
!Competition
!Champion
|-
|-
! Competition || Champion
|[[ICL 20-20 Indian Championship 2007–08|ICL 20-20 Indian Championship]]
|{{Flagicon|india}}[[Chennai Superstars]]
|-
|-
| ICL 20-20 Indian Championship || {{flagicon|IND}} Chennai Superstars<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20-20 Indian Championship {{!}} 2007/08 ICL 20-20 Indian Championship {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20-20-indian-championship-2007-08-303573 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|ICL 50s
|''did not start''
|-
|-
| ICL 50s || {{flagicon|IND}} Chennai Superstars<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 50s {{!}} 2008 ICL 50s {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-50s-2007-08-335860 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|[[ICL 20s Grand Championship 2007–08|ICL 20s Grand Championship]]
|{{Flagicon|india}} [[Hyderabad Heroes]]
|-
|-
| ICL 20s Grand Championship || {{flagicon|IND}} Hyderabad Heroes<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s Grand Championship {{!}} 2007/08 ICL 20s Grand Championship {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-grand-championship-2007-08-340231 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|[[ICL 20s World Series 2007–08|ICL 20s World Series]]
|-
|{{Flagicon|india}} ICL India
| ICL 20s World Series || {{flagicon|IND}} ICL India XI<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s World Series {{!}} 2007/08 ICL 20s World Series {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-world-series-2007-08-344709 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|}
|}
{{col-break}}

===Second season===
=== 2008-09 season results ===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+Results for 2008-09 ICL Season
!Competition
!Champion
|-
|-
! Competition || Champion
|[[ICL 20-20 Indian Championship 2008–09|ICL 20-20 Indian Championship]]
|{{Flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Lahore Badshahs]]
|-
|-
| ICL 20-20 Indian Championship || {{flagicon|PAK}} Lahore Badshahs<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20-20 Indian Championship {{!}} 2008/09 ICL 20-20 Indian Championship {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20-20-indian-championship-2008-09-369734 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|[[ICL 20s World Series 2008–09|ICL 20s World Series]]
|-
|''Cancelled''
| ICL 20s World Series || ''Cancelled''<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL 20s World Series {{!}} 2008/09 ICL 20s World Series {{!}} Live Score, Schedule, News |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icl-20s-world-series-2008-09-376892 |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}</ref>
|}
|}
{{col-end}}


== Reception ==
==Reasons for creation==
The ICL received some support from unexpected quarters. Camps were held at [[Mayajaal]] in [[Chennai]], a private resort with adequate cricket facilities.<ref>{{cite news |first = Anand|last = Vasu|url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/307932.html|title = ICL to hold camp at Mayajaal in Chennai|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date = 22 August 2007|access-date = 2007-08-23}}</ref> The then head of Indian Railways [[Lalu Prasad Yadav]] showed his backing by opening all the cricket stadiums controlled by the Indian Railways to the league.{{cn|date=September 2024}} Describing the ICL as a "good initiative", Prasad issued a statement saying that the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] and ICL should each come up with a cricket team and play against each other to show who's the best.{{cn|date=September 2024}} The state government of [[West Bengal]] also agreed to rent its cricket grounds, notably [[Eden Gardens]], to the league.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/icl/content/story/308020.html|title = State minister allows ICL use of Eden Gardens|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date = 23 August 2007|access-date = 2007-08-23}}</ref> In Ahmedabad, [[Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation]] provided its [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad|Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium]] for matches.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2008}}


== Controversy ==
=== The "Inverted Pyramid" cricket structure ===
=== BCCI Response ===
The BCCI refused to recognise the ICL as a cricket league, and criticised [[Kiran More]] and [[Kapil Dev]] for joining the ICL.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://inhome.rediff.com/cricket/2007/jun/13icl.htm|title = BCCI shoots down ICL| work = Rediff.com|date = 13 June 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13}}</ref> Kapil Dev's association with ICL was seen by the establishment as a conflict of interest as he was also the chairman of [[National Cricket Academy]], a BCCI owned cricket facility.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sudhakar|last=Shanbhag|url = http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com/news/bcci-not-to-recognise-zee-promoted-indian-cricket--113086.html|title = BCCI Not To Recognise Zee-Promoted Indian Cricket League| publisher=Worldcuplatest.com|date = 13 June 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13}}</ref> On 21 August 2007, Kapil Dev was sacked from his NCA post.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2007/aug/21kapil.htm|title = Kapil sacked as NCA Chairman| work = Rediff.com|date = 21 August 2007|access-date = 2007-08-21}}</ref> Subhash Chandra had earlier stated that the ICL will go ahead regardless of the BCCI's stance.{{cn|date=September 2024}} The [[International Cricket Council]] gave a statement through its chief executive, [[Malcolm Speed]], that the ICC would not recognize the ICL unless the BCCI chooses to recognise it.{{cn|date=September 2024}} On 25 July 2012, Kapil Dev informed BCCI that he had resigned from the ICL.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/kapil-dev-resigns-from-icl-returns-to-bcci/16172| title=Kapil Dev resigns from ICL, returns to BCCI| publisher=Wisden India| access-date=25 July 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314201217/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/kapil-dev-resigns-from-icl-returns-to-bcci/16172| archive-date=14 March 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref>


The BCCI started its own Twenty20 league. The official league, which launched in April 2008, is called the [[Indian Premier League]]. The league model is based on the franchise model of the [[National Football League]] and [[Major League Baseball]] in the US.<ref>{{cite news |author = Jamie Alter |url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/310809.html|title = International Twenty20 league launched| publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date = 13 September 2007|access-date = 2007-09-13}}</ref>
There was a wide disparity between the facilities enjoyed by the national team and the regional ones. This made the regional players far from finished products when they are called to represent their country, preventing a huge country like India from having adequate reserve strength in the national squad when key players are injured or retire. Also, the regional cricket boards depend on the BCCI for hand-outs of funds for infrastructure and grassroots development. The players who are entrenched at the top have strong backing from sports management firms and also can afford the best in personal trainers, physiotherapists and technical consultants, which are well beyond the scope of the average player.


===Zee Telefilms desire to create sports content===
==== ICL takes BCCI to court ====

Cricket played in India generates Rs. 10 billion in advertising and subscription revenue and Essel Group chairman [[Subhash Chandra]] had been acutely aware of his company missing out on this money. The Essel group had expressed a keen desire to help India develop cricketing talent, as well as provide lucrative sports programming for Zee Telefilms, which lost out on the rights to broadcast all BCCI-sanctioned cricket matches in India until 2011.

Essel Group had originally launched [[Zee Sports]] earlier with the anticipation of securing at least some of the BCCI telecast rights in 2006. This was followed by Zee acquiring 50 percent in [[TEN Sports]] in November 2006 for Rs.&nbsp;2.57&nbsp;billion. This gave the company a few international cricket rights – West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

During his battle with BCCI and [[ESPN Star Sports]] for the five-year telecast rights in August–September 2004 in the [[Bombay High Court]], Chandra was present every day for the hearings. Despite Zee bidding the highest at $307&nbsp;million, BCCI and its then president [[Jagmohan Dalmiya]] denied him the rights.

The pain of denial had been with Chandra since 2000 when the ICC World Cup rights were sold to [[NewsCorp]]'s Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) for $550&nbsp;million despite Zee bidding the highest at $650&nbsp;million citing Zee's insufficient sports marketing experience.

In August 2005, Zee again emerged as a forerunner with a pitch of over $340 million while ESPN Star Sports, the other principal contender, was believed to have offered around $325 million. BCCI took the stance that Zee was not qualified as a specialist broadcaster and refused to consider Zee's proposal. The matter expectedly went to court and [[Doordarshan]] emerged the beneficiary.

Chandra then tried the political route too and supported [[Sharad Pawar]]'s candidature as BCCI president against Dalmiya. Pawar emerged victorious but not Chandra. In the last round of bidding in February 2006, it was [[NEO Cricket|Nimbus]] who bagged BCCI's telecast rights till 2011 for $613 million with Zee trailing at $513 million.

Since there was a Zee-Nimbus alliance before the bidding, media pundits thought Nimbus' bid was a Zee front. But Nimbus chose to go its own way and launched its own sports network – [[NEO Sports]]. In 2012, Star Sports bought broadcasting rights for international and domestic matches in India for more than $550 million.

==Support for the league==

The ICL received some support from unexpected quarters. There was a fear that lack of access to infrastructure, like the premier cricket stadiums, would limit the success of the operation of the league, but support from various government bodies boosted the league. Camps were held at [[Mayajaal]] in [[Chennai]], a private resort with adequate cricket facilities.<ref>{{cite news |first = Anand|last = Vasu|url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/307932.html|title = ICL to hold camp at Mayajaal in Chennai|publisher = cricinfo.com|date = 22 August 2007|access-date = 2007-08-23}}</ref> The then head of Indian Railways [[Lalu Prasad Yadav]] showed his backing by opening all the cricket stadiums controlled by the Indian Railways to the league. Describing the ICL as a "good initiative", Prasad issued a statement saying that the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] and ICL should each come up with a cricket team and play against each other to show who's the best. The state government of [[West Bengal]] also agreed to rent its cricket grounds, notably [[Eden Gardens]], to the league.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/icl/content/story/308020.html|title = State minister allows ICL use of Eden Gardens|publisher = cricinfo.com|date = 23 August 2007|access-date = 2007-08-23}}</ref> In Ahmedabad, [[Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation]] provided its [[Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad|Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium]] for matches.

==Controversy==

===BCCI Response===

The BCCI refused to recognise the ICL as a cricket league, and criticised [[Kiran More]] and [[Kapil Dev]] for joining the ICL.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://inhome.rediff.com/cricket/2007/jun/13icl.htm|title = BCCI shoots down ICL| work = Rediff.com|date = 13 June 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13}}</ref> Kapil Dev's association with ICL was seen by the establishment as a conflict of interest as he was also the chairman of [[National Cricket Academy]], a BCCI owned cricket facility.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sudhakar|last=Shanbhag|url = http://www.cricketworldcuplatest.com/news/bcci-not-to-recognise-zee-promoted-indian-cricket--113086.html|title = BCCI Not To Recognise Zee-Promoted Indian Cricket League| publisher = Worldcuplatest.com|date = 13 June 2007|access-date = 2007-06-13}}</ref> On 21 August 2007 Kapil Dev was sacked from his NCA post.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2007/aug/21kapil.htm|title = Kapil sacked as NCA Chairman| work = Rediff.com|date = 21 August 2007|access-date = 2007-08-21}}</ref> Subhash Chandra had earlier stated that the ICL will go ahead regardless of the BCCI's stance. The [[International Cricket Council]] gave a statement through its chief executive, [[Malcolm Speed]], that the ICC would not recognize the ICL unless the BCCI chooses to recognise it. The ICC looks at the ICL as an issue to be sorted out by the BCCI. On 25 July 2012 Kapil Dev informed BCCI that he had resigned from the ICL.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/kapil-dev-resigns-from-icl-returns-to-bcci/16172| title=Kapil Dev resigns from ICL, returns to BCCI| publisher=Wisden India| access-date=25 July 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314201217/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/kapil-dev-resigns-from-icl-returns-to-bcci/16172| archive-date=14 March 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref>

Faced with the threat of young players joining the ICL, the BCCI jacked up prize money for winners, runners-up and losing semi-finalists across all tournaments. An average domestic cricketer can hope to make around Rs 35,000 per match day from the season of 2007–08: more than double the Rs 16,000 they got in 2005–06. The BCCI has also planned to do away with honorary selectors, who will be paid professionals from September 2008 onwards.<ref>{{cite news |author = Press Trust of India |url = http://www.rediff.com/cms/print.jsp?docpath=/cricket/2007/aug/21hike.htm|title = BCCI hikes domestic match fees| work = Rediff.com|date = 21 June 2007|access-date = 2007-08-22}}</ref>

The BCCI started its own international Twenty20 league. The official league, which launched in April 2008, is called the [[Indian Premier League]]. The league model is based on the franchise model of the [[National Football League]] and [[Major League Baseball]] in the US.<ref>{{cite news |author = Jamie Alter |url = http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/310809.html|title = International Twenty20 league launched| publisher = Cricinfo.com|date = 13 September 2007|access-date = 2007-09-13}}</ref>

====ICL takes BCCI to court====
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2010}}
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2010}}
In August 2007, the ICL filed a petition against the BCCI in the Delhi High Court accusing the BCCI of threatening and intimidating them and other state organisations, and asked the court to stop BCCI from interfering with its attempts to sign up players for its tournaments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-08-25|title=ICL moves court against BCCI|url=http://beta.dawn.com/news/262924/icl-moves-court-against-bcci|access-date=2021-04-19|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref> It also petitioned that the BCCI stop trying to "out-hire" cricket stadiums in India that are owned by the state governments, in anti-competitive attempts to stop the ICL from using them to play matches.
In August 2007, the ICL filed a petition against the BCCI in the Delhi High Court accusing the BCCI of threatening and intimidating them and other state organisations, and asked the court to stop BCCI from interfering with its attempts to sign up players for its tournaments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-08-25|title=ICL moves court against BCCI|url=http://beta.dawn.com/news/262924/icl-moves-court-against-bcci|access-date=2021-04-19|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref> It also petitioned that the BCCI stop trying to "out-hire" cricket stadiums in India that are owned by the state governments, in anti-competitive attempts to stop the ICL from using them to play matches. On 27 August 2007, the Delhi High Court ruled in favour of the ICL. In its ruling, the Delhi High Court said that players should not suffer in the battle between corporate giants. The court has issued notices to all corporate sponsors, the state cricket associations & the BCCI against terminating valid contracts of players joining the ICL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-29170020070827 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013114205/http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-29170020070827 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 October 2007 |title=Delhi HC orders companies to let players join ICL |work=Reuters |date=27 August 2007}}</ref> The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) of India had asked its Director-General of Investigation to do an initial investigation into the BCCI's action against players who had joined the ICL. The investigation was based on media reports of the BCCI giving an open statement that it would ban players who join ICL. It was also reported in the media that all state associations, under direction from the BCCI, have cancelled contracts with players.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/09/07/stories/2007090752610100.htm |title=Cricket row under MRTPC scanner}}</ref>

On 27 August 2007, the Delhi High Court ruled in favour of the ICL. In its ruling, the Delhi High Court said that players should not suffer in the battle between corporate giants. The court has issued notices to all corporate sponsors, the state cricket associations & the BCCI against terminating valid contracts of players joining the ICL.<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-29170020070827
| title = Delhi HC orders companies to let players join ICL
| work=Reuters
| date=27 August 2007
}}</ref>

The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) of India had asked its Director-General of Investigation to do an initial investigation into the BCCI's action against players who had joined the ICL. The investigation was based on media reports of the BCCI giving an open statement that it would ban players who join ICL. It was also reported in the media that all state associations, under direction from the BCCI, have cancelled contracts with players.<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/09/07/stories/2007090752610100.htm
| title = Cricket row under MRTPC scanner
}}</ref>


=== Pressure on players from other national organisations ===
=== Pressure on players from other national organisations ===
In considering rejoining the ICL former England wicketkeeper Paul Nixon was said to have put his career in jeopardy because any player that signs up with the ICL, which does not have official status from the International Cricket Council, risks losing their registration.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/twenty20/3114957/Paul-Nixon-puts-county-career-in-jeopardy-by-rejoining-rebel-Indian-Cricket-League.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Paul Nixon may put county career in jeopardy by rejoining 'rebel' Indian Cricket League | first=Nick | last=Hoult | date=1 October 2008 | access-date=5 May 2010}}</ref>
In considering rejoining the ICL former England wicketkeeper [[Paul Nixon]] was said to have put his career in jeopardy because any player that signs up with the ICL, which does not have official status from the International Cricket Council, risks losing their registration.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/twenty20/3114957/Paul-Nixon-puts-county-career-in-jeopardy-by-rejoining-rebel-Indian-Cricket-League.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=Paul Nixon may put county career in jeopardy by rejoining 'rebel' Indian Cricket League | first=Nick | last=Hoult | date=1 October 2008 | access-date=5 May 2010}}</ref> The addition of a new team from [[Dhaka]] in Bangladesh, consisting largely of Bangladesh internationals caused more controversy as the cricket board of that country banned the players for 10 years for joining the 'rebel' ICL.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/bangladesh/7621276.stm | work=BBC News | title=Bangladesh vow to ban ICL rebels | date=17 September 2008 | access-date=5 May 2010}}</ref> Faced with the departure of so many players the board appealed to other Bangladeshi players to reject the new ICL team, stay loyal to the board and embrace the opportunity to play for their country.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080916215554/http://sify.com/sports/fullstory.php?id=14759551 Dhaka tries to stop more cricketers from joining ICL]. Sify.com (16 September 2008). Retrieved on 2013-12-23.</ref>

The addition of a new team from [[Dhaka]] in Bangladesh, consisting largely of Bangladesh internationals caused more controversy as the cricket board of that country banned the players for 10 years for joining the 'rebel' ICL.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/other_international/bangladesh/7621276.stm | work=BBC News | title=Bangladesh vow to ban ICL rebels | date=17 September 2008 | access-date=5 May 2010}}</ref> Faced with the departure of so many players the board appealed to other Bangladeshi players to reject the new ICL team, stay loyal to the board and embrace the opportunity to play for their country.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080916215554/http://sify.com/sports/fullstory.php?id=14759551 Dhaka tries to stop more cricketers from joining ICL]. Sify.com (16 September 2008). Retrieved on 2013-12-23.</ref>


== Downfall of the ICL ==
== Downfall of the ICL ==
In April 2009, the BCCI offered an ''<nowiki/>'amnesty''' to all Indian players associated with the ICL,<ref>{{Cite web |title=BCCI offers amnesty for ICL players |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bcci-offers-amnesty-for-icl-players-402028 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> a move that was quickly replicated by other boards like Bangladesh <ref>{{Cite web |title=Bangladesh board also offers amnesty to ICL players |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/bangladesh-board-also-offers-amnesty-to-icl-players-403699 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> and South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=South Africa offers amnesty to ICL players |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/south-africa-offers-amnesty-to-icl-players-405613 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> This led to a mass withdrawal of players from the ICL,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gillespie saddened by exodus from ICL |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/gillespie-saddened-by-exodus-from-icl-407050 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> and the league also faced a cash-crunch due to the impact of the [[Great Recession]] on the league's owners.<ref>{{Cite web |title='The battle is not over' - Greig |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-battle-is-not-over-greig-407105 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Although the ICL was publicly confident of surviving the withdrawal and holding a new season of the tournament in October 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICL optimistic despite exodus threat |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icl-optimistic-despite-exodus-threat-402161 |access-date=2024-05-21 |work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2010}}


== References ==
The future of ICL became uncertain when BCCI banned ICL players from playing international matches. Since then many ICL players have returned to their national team including famous players like [[Shane Bond]] (retired) and [[Abdul Razzaq (cricketer)|Abdul Razzaq]] (also retired).
{{reflist}}

BCCI after seeing the success of ICL wanted to start their own league called [[Indian_Premier_League|IPL<ref>[https://ipllivestreams.com/ today ipl match prediction]. ipllivestreams.com (March 2023). Retrieved on 2023-03-27.</ref>]]. Due to this, the BCCI began to ban players and stadiums associated with the ICL.

Shortly before the conclusion of the inaugural tournament, the ICL announced its plans for expansion, which include a fifty over tournament in February 2008, and the expansion of the ICL Indian Championship to eight teams for the second tournament, due to be held in September and October 2008. However, the ICL eventually came to an end after all its players dropped out. This was because of the offer of amnesty given by BCCI to players choosing to leave the ICL.

=== Transparency issues ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2010}}
Independent analysts have had difficulty gauging the financial viability of the ICL due to the lack of transparency of the league's operations. Terms of contracts are hidden and advertising revenue from match telecasts – considered to be a major contributor to revenues – have never been disclosed. Because they are unsanctioned by the ICC, the teams do not have access to the best facilities across the whole country or access to the best players, limiting their ability to generate high gate revenues. This lack of transparency leads to questions regarding the overall viability of the ICL's business model.{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}}

==Broadcasting of ICL==
Since the ICL was conducted by Zee Telefilms, the ICL was broadcast in most domains on the Zee network.<ref>http://www.indiancricketleague.in/news/inner-news.aspx?xfile=data/news/2008/October/news_20081007_20.xml{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="width:98%;"
|-
! style="width:20%;"| '''Broadcaster'''
! style="width:60%;"| '''Regional broadcast rights'''
|-
! [[Zee Sports]]
| Global Rights, India—Hindi, Bangladesh & US
|-
! [[Ten Sports]]
| India—English, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Middle East
|-

|-
! [[ATN Bangla]]
| Bangladesh
|-
! [[Gateway Television|Gateway]]
| North Africa
|-
! [[Telkom-Malaysia]]
| Malaysia
|-
! [[Astro TVIQ]]
| Malaysia
|-
! [[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]]
| Australia
|-
! [[Zee Music]]
| UK
|-
! Zee Smile
| Asia{{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}
|-
! [[Zee TV]]
| Africa
|-
! [[Caribbean Media Corporation]]
| [[British West Indies|Caribbean]]
|}

=== Broadcasting ban ===
In November 2008, the Bangladeshi government set a ban on the broadcasting of live matches of the ICL on the privately held Diganta TV channel in the country. This would extend to the ICL World Series featuring the country's national team.<ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=8f2e6595-6447-4110-b354-d3d1595530d0 Bangladesh govt bans ICL coverage]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Hindustan Times (1 November 2008). Retrieved on 2013-12-23.</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20071027140019/http://www.indiancricketleague.in/ Official site of the Indian Cricket League]
*[http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2007/nov/29guest.htm Diktat ideas for BCCI to crush ICL]


{{Cricket in India}}
{{Cricket in India}}


[[Category:Indian Cricket League| ]]
[[Category:2007 establishments in India]]
[[Category:2007 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Professional sports leagues in India]]
[[Category:Defunct cricket leagues]]
[[Category:Cricket leagues in India]]
[[Category:Defunct sports leagues in India]]
[[Category:Defunct sports leagues in India]]
[[Category:Indian Cricket League|*]]
[[Category:Sport in India]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 2007]]
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 2007]]
[[Category:Defunct cricket leagues]]
[[Category:Sport in India]]

Latest revision as of 16:31, 7 December 2024

For the IPL, see Indian Premier League.

Indian Cricket League
SportCricket
Founded2007
Ceased2009
Divisions9
No. of teams9 city teams, 4 international teams
Country
Last
champion(s)		Lahore Badshahs (2008/09)

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) was a short-lived cricket league that ran from 2007 to 2009. It was sponsored by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, a media company. The ICL had two seasons, featuring four international teams and nine domestic teams from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The matches were played in the Twenty20 format. A 50-over tournament was also held in early 2008.[1]

The ICL faced significant opposition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The BCCI did not approve of the ICL and launched its own rival league, the Indian Premier League (IPL), in 2008. The BCCI also banned the players who joined the ICL from playing for their national teams or in any other official tournaments. The IPL was more popular and successful than the ICL, leading to the ICL's collapse in 2009, ending its brief and controversial existence.

Background

[edit]

'Rebel' cricket leagues and fixtures played without backing from international boards and the International Cricket Council had been attempted before. Most notably, World Series Cricket, introduced in 1977 by broadcasting tycoon Kerry Packer, had proved the viability of cricket as a commercial product despite the league's short lifespan. In the 1980s, many international cricketers toured South Africa whilst the country was under a sporting boycott due to apartheid, often sponsored by private companies. Both these attempts resulted in pushback from international cricket authorities. World Series Cricket were the subject of litigation, and were not permitted to use recognised cricket stadiums or language like 'Test Match', so instead had to use stadiums intended for other sports and invent new terminology such as 'Supertest'. In the case of the latter, many cricketers received bans from their respective national teams for participating in these tours. As a result, the tours eventually came to an end, a few years before apartheid ended in South Africa and the sporting boycott was lifted.[2][3][4]

In the early 2000s, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) were looking for a way to market the game to a younger audience. Their solution was a new twenty-over competition to be played between counties. The resulting Twenty20 Cup, later renamed the T20 Blast, was a success and drew large crowds during its first season in 2003.[5][6] Similar competitions sprung up in Pakistan, Australia and the West Indies. Eventually, the ICC sanctioned the first official Men's T20 World Cup in 2007.[7]

The Board of Control for Cricket in India sent a young side to participate in the World Cup, due to their skepticism over the format's viability. Despite their inexperience, the Indian side won the tournament. Two months later, the inaugural season of the Indian Cricket League began without backing from the BCCI, who deemed the participants 'rebels' and excluded them from the Indian side.[8][9]

League structure

[edit]

Each team was coached by a former international cricketer and composed of four international, two Indian and eight domestic players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was assured that it was free to draw from ICL's talent pool. The league became active in November 2007 with matches in the Twenty20 format. Former international cricketers including Tony Greig, Dean Jones and Kiran More were hired as board members of the Indian Cricket League.[10][11]

City teams

[edit]

The city teams were club teams located in major cities in India, along with Lahore in Pakistan and Dhaka in Bangladesh.[12][13] 2007-08 season's 20-20 Indian Championship and 50s only featured Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai teams[14][15] while Ahmedabad and Lahore teams joined in the 20s Grand Championship,[16] and Dhaka team joined in 2008-09 season.[17]

  • Chandigarh Lions[18]
  • Chennai Superstars[19]
  • Delhi Jets / Delhi Giants[20]
  • Hyderabad Heroes[21]
  • Kolkata Tigers / Royal Bengal Tigers[22]
  • Mumbai Champs[23]
  • Ahmedabad Rockets[24]
  • Lahore Badshahs[25]
  • Dhaka Warriors[26]

ICL World teams

[edit]

The ICL World teams participated in an additional competition, the ICL World Series. They did not play against the city teams.[27] 2007-08 season only featured World XI, India and Pakistan teams[28] while Bangladesh team joined in 2008-09 season.[29]

ICL World XI[30] ICL India XI[31] ICL Pakistan XI[32] ICL Bangladesh XI[33]

Tournaments

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

The ICL received some support from unexpected quarters. Camps were held at Mayajaal in Chennai, a private resort with adequate cricket facilities.[40] The then head of Indian Railways Lalu Prasad Yadav showed his backing by opening all the cricket stadiums controlled by the Indian Railways to the league.[citation needed] Describing the ICL as a "good initiative", Prasad issued a statement saying that the BCCI and ICL should each come up with a cricket team and play against each other to show who's the best.[citation needed] The state government of West Bengal also agreed to rent its cricket grounds, notably Eden Gardens, to the league.[41] In Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation provided its Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium for matches.[citation needed]

Controversy

[edit]

BCCI Response

[edit]

The BCCI refused to recognise the ICL as a cricket league, and criticised Kiran More and Kapil Dev for joining the ICL.[42] Kapil Dev's association with ICL was seen by the establishment as a conflict of interest as he was also the chairman of National Cricket Academy, a BCCI owned cricket facility.[43] On 21 August 2007, Kapil Dev was sacked from his NCA post.[44] Subhash Chandra had earlier stated that the ICL will go ahead regardless of the BCCI's stance.[citation needed] The International Cricket Council gave a statement through its chief executive, Malcolm Speed, that the ICC would not recognize the ICL unless the BCCI chooses to recognise it.[citation needed] On 25 July 2012, Kapil Dev informed BCCI that he had resigned from the ICL.[45]

The BCCI started its own Twenty20 league. The official league, which launched in April 2008, is called the Indian Premier League. The league model is based on the franchise model of the National Football League and Major League Baseball in the US.[46]

ICL takes BCCI to court

[edit]

In August 2007, the ICL filed a petition against the BCCI in the Delhi High Court accusing the BCCI of threatening and intimidating them and other state organisations, and asked the court to stop BCCI from interfering with its attempts to sign up players for its tournaments.[47] It also petitioned that the BCCI stop trying to "out-hire" cricket stadiums in India that are owned by the state governments, in anti-competitive attempts to stop the ICL from using them to play matches. On 27 August 2007, the Delhi High Court ruled in favour of the ICL. In its ruling, the Delhi High Court said that players should not suffer in the battle between corporate giants. The court has issued notices to all corporate sponsors, the state cricket associations & the BCCI against terminating valid contracts of players joining the ICL.[48] The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) of India had asked its Director-General of Investigation to do an initial investigation into the BCCI's action against players who had joined the ICL. The investigation was based on media reports of the BCCI giving an open statement that it would ban players who join ICL. It was also reported in the media that all state associations, under direction from the BCCI, have cancelled contracts with players.[49]

Pressure on players from other national organisations

[edit]

In considering rejoining the ICL former England wicketkeeper Paul Nixon was said to have put his career in jeopardy because any player that signs up with the ICL, which does not have official status from the International Cricket Council, risks losing their registration.[50] The addition of a new team from Dhaka in Bangladesh, consisting largely of Bangladesh internationals caused more controversy as the cricket board of that country banned the players for 10 years for joining the 'rebel' ICL.[51] Faced with the departure of so many players the board appealed to other Bangladeshi players to reject the new ICL team, stay loyal to the board and embrace the opportunity to play for their country.[52]

Downfall of the ICL

[edit]

In April 2009, the BCCI offered an 'amnesty' to all Indian players associated with the ICL,[53] a move that was quickly replicated by other boards like Bangladesh [54] and South Africa.[55] This led to a mass withdrawal of players from the ICL,[56] and the league also faced a cash-crunch due to the impact of the Great Recession on the league's owners.[57] Although the ICL was publicly confident of surviving the withdrawal and holding a new season of the tournament in October 2009.[58]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ICL 50s". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  2. ^ Weaver, Paul (11 January 2010). "English rebels who ignored apartheid cause still show a lack of shame". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  3. ^ "'Rebels' to sue South Africa board". 3 January 2003. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Rebel tours to South Africa may get ICC recognition". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  5. ^ "T20 timeline: Revolution to uncertainty". ESPNcricinfo. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  6. ^ Weaver, Paul (25 May 2009). "Usman Afzaal gives Surrey winning start but absent fans fuel concerns". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Is twenty plenty?". Cricinfo. 24 March 2007. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  8. ^ Premachandran, Dileep (26 September 2007). "Great win, but easy on the chest-thumping". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Remembering Indian Cricket League, the 'rebel' that led to IPL would have turned 10 today". Firstpost. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  10. ^ "Zee Sports denies signing of stars". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  11. ^ Khanna, Roma (14 May 2007). "BCCI's own now have a new job". CricketNext. Archived from the original on 16 June 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2007.
  12. ^ "ICL 20s Grand Championship Teams List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  13. ^ "ICL 20-20 Indian Championship Teams List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  14. ^ "ICL 20-20 Indian Championship Squads List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  15. ^ "ICL 50s Teams 2008". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  16. ^ "ICL 20s Grand Championship Squads List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  17. ^ "ICL 20-20 Indian Championship Squads List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Chandigarh Lions Cricket Team | ChLns | Chandigarh Lions Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  19. ^ "Chennai Superstars Cricket Team | CStrs | Chennai Superstars Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  20. ^ "Delhi Giants Cricket Team | Giant | Delhi Giants Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  21. ^ "Hyderabad Heroes Cricket Team | HydHr | Hyderabad Heroes Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  22. ^ "Royal Bengal Tigers Cricket Team | RylTg | Royal Bengal Tigers Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  23. ^ "Mumbai Champs Cricket Team | MumCh | Mumbai Champs Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  24. ^ "Ahmedabad Rockets Cricket Team | AhRck | Ahmedabad Rockets Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  25. ^ "Lahore Badshahs Cricket Team | LhBsh | Lahore Badshahs Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  26. ^ "Dhaka Warriors Cricket Team | Dhaka | Dhaka Warriors Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  27. ^ "ICL 20s World Series Teams List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  28. ^ "ICL 20s World Series Squads List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  29. ^ "ICL 20s World Series Squads List". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  30. ^ "ICL World XI Cricket Team | ICL World XI | ICL World XI Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  31. ^ "ICL India XI Cricket Team | ICL India XI | ICL India XI Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  32. ^ "ICL Pakistan XI Cricket Team | ICL Pak XI | ICL Pakistan XI Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  33. ^ "ICL Bangladesh XI Cricket Team | ICLBD | ICL Bangladesh XI Team News and Matches". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  34. ^ "ICL 20-20 Indian Championship | 2007/08 ICL 20-20 Indian Championship | Live Score, Schedule, News". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  35. ^ "ICL 50s | 2008 ICL 50s | Live Score, Schedule, News". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  36. ^ "ICL 20s Grand Championship | 2007/08 ICL 20s Grand Championship | Live Score, Schedule, News". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  37. ^ "ICL 20s World Series | 2007/08 ICL 20s World Series | Live Score, Schedule, News". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  38. ^ "ICL 20-20 Indian Championship | 2008/09 ICL 20-20 Indian Championship | Live Score, Schedule, News". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  39. ^ "ICL 20s World Series | 2008/09 ICL 20s World Series | Live Score, Schedule, News". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  40. ^ Vasu, Anand (22 August 2007). "ICL to hold camp at Mayajaal in Chennai". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
  41. ^ Press Trust of India (23 August 2007). "State minister allows ICL use of Eden Gardens". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 23 August 2007.
  42. ^ Press Trust of India (13 June 2007). "BCCI shoots down ICL". Rediff.com. Retrieved 13 June 2007.
  43. ^ Shanbhag, Sudhakar (13 June 2007). "BCCI Not To Recognise Zee-Promoted Indian Cricket League". Worldcuplatest.com. Retrieved 13 June 2007.
  44. ^ Press Trust of India (21 August 2007). "Kapil sacked as NCA Chairman". Rediff.com. Retrieved 21 August 2007.
  45. ^ "Kapil Dev resigns from ICL, returns to BCCI". Wisden India. Archived from the original on 14 March 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2010.
  46. ^ Jamie Alter (13 September 2007). "International Twenty20 league launched". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 13 September 2007.
  47. ^ "ICL moves court against BCCI". DAWN.COM. 25 August 2007. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  48. ^ "Delhi HC orders companies to let players join ICL". Reuters. 27 August 2007. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007.
  49. ^ "Cricket row under MRTPC scanner".
  50. ^ Hoult, Nick (1 October 2008). "Paul Nixon may put county career in jeopardy by rejoining 'rebel' Indian Cricket League". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  51. ^ "Bangladesh vow to ban ICL rebels". BBC News. 17 September 2008. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  52. ^ Dhaka tries to stop more cricketers from joining ICL. Sify.com (16 September 2008). Retrieved on 2013-12-23.
  53. ^ "BCCI offers amnesty for ICL players". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  54. ^ "Bangladesh board also offers amnesty to ICL players". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  55. ^ "South Africa offers amnesty to ICL players". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  56. ^ "Gillespie saddened by exodus from ICL". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  57. ^ "'The battle is not over' - Greig". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  58. ^ "ICL optimistic despite exodus threat". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
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