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Subhash Chandra says the idea is to take the game beyond a limited group
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Winning smile Subhash Chandra feels the ICL will help youngsters
There is a striking similarity between Kerry Packer and Subhash Chandra. Packer owned the Australian Channel 9 network while Subhash Chandra, owns Zee TV. And, both staked a claim in the world of cricket by taking on the establishment. The former sta
rting Packer World Series in 1978 and Subhash Chandra the Indian Cricket League.
How does Subhash Chandra feel about running ICL. “We never thought ICL would be a direct conflict with the BCCI. I don’t understand why the BCCI is reacting in such a manner,” says 57-year-old Subhash Chandra.
To unexplored areas
Why exactly did this idea of ICL crop up?
“The BCCI caters to about 37 per cent of the population and is not in a position to spread the sport to the 67 per cent. With this in mind, we thought let us take cricket to unexplored areas ensuring a competitive environment,” explains Subhash Chandra. “Well, if any country like Pakistan comes forward to host the ICL we will be pleased to do so,” he says.
“We also have plans to run age-specific leagues to give them the right kind of exposure,” says Chandra.
But is he disappointed about the BCCI ban on ICL cricketers?
“Well, if you take the English County episode recently, our lawyers have ensured that the ICL cricketers are permitted to play in England. Similarly, there can always be a way out,” he explains. “If you ask the players, I don’t think anyone will be complaining for joining ICL,” he asserts. “Importantly, we don’t stop any ICL player going away and even playing in the IPL. Our primary concern is the players’ interests,” he points out.
What is your biggest contribution to sport by way of ICL? “I take pride in the fact that the emergence of ICL even made the BCCI to pay hefty match fees to the national cricketers. And even the concept of IPL is a copy of what we are doing.
Contract with AIFF
“For us cricket is not just the sport we are looking at. We already have a 10-year contract with the All India Football Federation. Many corporate groups are in touch with us to promote other sports on the ICL lines,” Subhash Chandra concludes.
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
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