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'Boards to blame for ICL bans'
05/03/2008 13:09 - (SA)
New Delhi - New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has accused national boards of succumbing to Indian pressure by banning players who join the country's unofficial Twenty20 league.
The 32-year-old, a fearsome bowler despite an
injury-plagued career, was axed from the Black Caps side in
January and his contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) was
terminated after he signed up with the rebel Indian Cricket
League (ICL).
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refused to
grant approval to the ICL and later joined other major national
boards to launch a multi-million dollar official version.
"I'm just disappointed that players are getting banned. I just don't think that is fair," Bond said in an interview.
"All boards want to make money and they have been quick to jump in with the BCCI, basically doing what they told them.
"They (boards) are really the ones who are breaching
contracts and probably aren't acting ethically very well."
Granted permission
Bond said the boards could have made a joint demand that
the ICL pay a fee in return for each player, with the money
going into facilities and grassroots development projects.
He believes he would have bolstered New Zealand's thin
bowling line-up and criticised NZC for going back on their word
having initially granted him permission to join the ICL.
"We're professional cricketers and we should be able to play anywhere and for anyone," Bond said ahead of his debut for Delhi in the ICL's new tournament starting on Sunday.
The eight-team event also includes a Lahore side led by
former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul Haq.
"It is a job and we are trying to provide and look after
families," he added. "We are forced into a situation where we are getting banned from a job we want to do."
The rebel league faced trouble after it was launched last
year by the diversified Essel Group, who control India's
largest listed media firm Zee telefilms Ltd., with former
skipper Kapil Dev at the forefront.
The BCCI rejected the ICL and later launched the Indian
Premier League (IPL), with millions of dollars spent on
franchises and players. The IPL starts on April 18.
Biggest names
International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations prevent
contracted players from taking part in the non-sanctioned
league and the Indian board has pushed for banning players.
Bond, who has taken 79 wickets in 17 Tests and 125 scalps
from 65 one-dayers, is one of the biggest names to join the
ICL, which also features many other New Zealand players,
including current batsman Lou Vincent.
He admitted the bans would especially hurt teams like New
Zealand and West Indies, which have a smaller pool of players.
Bond is also concerned about his contract with English
county Hampshire, who have signed him as cover until Australian
Shane Warne returns after playing in the 44-day IPL.
"I'm still waiting to find out," he said, laughing. "Every day is a new day."
He said the issue will be dragged through the courts if
more players were prevented from competing in the ICL.
"I think we are going to see it get a ruling in the high
court or supreme court," said Bond, adding that he chose not to take his case to court because of the ramifications for New
Zealand cricket.
"Something like that will happen one day because it will
get over the top ...people would have had enough."
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