The International Cricket Council (ICC) denied on Thursday that a rebel Twenty20 series in India was in danger of stealing some of the thunder from September's inaugural world championship in South Africa.
"It's a local thing, it's not a threat," ICC cricket manager Dave Richardson said at a launch party for the Twenty20 world championships which begin in Johannesburg on Sept. 11.
"It doesn't conflict with what we are trying to do in South Africa. It is not an international tournament," he said.
Organizers of the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which is being promoted by India's largest listed media group Zee Telefilms, have persuaded Brian Lara to come out of international retirement to take part and an approach has also been reportedly made to New Zealand Test captain Stephen Fleming.
The dates and venues for the series, which has not been recognized by the ICC or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), have yet to be announced.
Meanwhile, Australia's Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are on the verge of joining the unofficial league, former India skipper Kapil Dev said on Thursday.
"They've almost signed," said Kapil, a board member of the ICL.
"It is just a matter of legal papers. Other terms and conditions are agreed. Around 20-30 people are sitting and signing and going through the papers with their lawyers," he said. "It is only a matter of time before we make announcements."
Warne and McGrath retired from international cricket earlier this year and the duo would be a huge draw after former West Indies skipper Brian Lara signed up this week.
Media have speculated that New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming could also join, although organizers refused to confirm any names.
India's diversified Essel Group, controling the nation's biggest listed media firm Zee Telefilms, announced the annual league in May.
They also plan to rope in some current India players as well as domestic cricketers with the inaugural event planned for October.
The BCCI has refused permission for ICL and asked Kapil, captain of the 1983 World Cup winning team, to choose between it and remaining as chairman of the National Cricket Academy.
Many of Kapil's former team mates have also signed up for the league which has Tony Greig and Dean Jones on its board.
Kapil said the idea was to spread the game and give players an opportunity to make a living.
"We just want to have more cricket and more jobs for people," he said.
RSS