I might be one of the few cricket junkies who are following ICL too. Well, I have to admit that the main reason for doing it is that I have subscribed to Zee Sports that is carrying the India vs Australia Test Series. However, I am impressed with what I have seen so far.
ICL definitely lacks the star power of its posh cousin IPL but it does have thrilling cricket. The matches are close and well fought. Though the bowling is on the weaker side batting is good and the fielding is absolutely exceptional. Case in point - amazing catch taken by Abhishek Jhujhunwala on the boundary. Good thing that cricket doesn't follow the rule of breaking the plane as in American Football. I tried to find the video of that amazing catch on youtube but it seems its not available. If I find it, it would be posted here. There was also this catch taken by Nantie Hayward today off his own bowling that was just fantastic!
This year ICL has added a team from Bangladesh - Dhaka Warriors. I never knew that we could associate Dhaka with warriors but then I haven't read much of Bangladesh's history. Anyways, the team looks good, probably better than the current Bangladesh national side. They have the same piece of luck though. Can't win matches. It matters little that Alok Kapali scored a brilliant century (the first in ICL) they still managed to lose the match by 2 wickets. Some luck!
Spin attack of Lahore Badshah seems to be better than current Paki attack. Saqlain was bowling in such a form that one had to wonder why is he not playing in the National side who struggles with spin attack carried out by part timers like Afridi and Malik. As always it is good to watch the good ole Inji. Looks like he has become more laid back and has put on some weight ;-)
Looks like the whole Kiwi team is here. Cairns, Tuffey, Bond, Harris - you name it and they are here. Was their a wholesale rate for the former Kiwis?
It is heartening to see the young cricketer playing their hearts out. Giving everything to the game. Good for cricket.
One more thing - Commentators include Tony Greig and Dean Jones. Does this mean that our vindictive BCCI and by extension ICC will ban them from mainstream commentary of "authorized" matches too?
ICL definitely lacks the star power of its posh cousin IPL but it does have thrilling cricket. The matches are close and well fought. Though the bowling is on the weaker side batting is good and the fielding is absolutely exceptional. Case in point - amazing catch taken by Abhishek Jhujhunwala on the boundary. Good thing that cricket doesn't follow the rule of breaking the plane as in American Football. I tried to find the video of that amazing catch on youtube but it seems its not available. If I find it, it would be posted here. There was also this catch taken by Nantie Hayward today off his own bowling that was just fantastic!
This year ICL has added a team from Bangladesh - Dhaka Warriors. I never knew that we could associate Dhaka with warriors but then I haven't read much of Bangladesh's history. Anyways, the team looks good, probably better than the current Bangladesh national side. They have the same piece of luck though. Can't win matches. It matters little that Alok Kapali scored a brilliant century (the first in ICL) they still managed to lose the match by 2 wickets. Some luck!
Spin attack of Lahore Badshah seems to be better than current Paki attack. Saqlain was bowling in such a form that one had to wonder why is he not playing in the National side who struggles with spin attack carried out by part timers like Afridi and Malik. As always it is good to watch the good ole Inji. Looks like he has become more laid back and has put on some weight ;-)
Looks like the whole Kiwi team is here. Cairns, Tuffey, Bond, Harris - you name it and they are here. Was their a wholesale rate for the former Kiwis?
It is heartening to see the young cricketer playing their hearts out. Giving everything to the game. Good for cricket.
One more thing - Commentators include Tony Greig and Dean Jones. Does this mean that our vindictive BCCI and by extension ICC will ban them from mainstream commentary of "authorized" matches too?
2 comments:
Icl is pure for money purpose.BCCI is official corrupt organization while zee wants to be unofficial cary packer...nothing pure about ICL or IPL
Himanshu
I agree with you that none of them is pure. However it is good for cricket since it would encourage more kids to take up the sport professionally. The amount of money involved is also likely to encourage people to take up the sport. Don't forget the other opportunities generated due to organization of 2 leagues - advertisements etc.
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