Shabbir lashes out at ICL

ICL had signed over two dozen Pakistan cricketers, and five of them including Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq.

LAHORE: Pakistan fast-bowler Shabbir Ahmed insisted he has no regrets for participating in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) but said that he is still waiting for the organisers to fulfil their commitments. The rebel league, staged in India two years ago, disrupted his international career with the national team but Ahmed said he had no choice after he was constantly ignored by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“I don’t regret my decision,” said Ahmed. “I decided to join the ICL because selectors were constantly ignoring me. After all, cricket is my bread and butter.”

However, Ahmed is unhappy with ICL organisers, claiming they have not settled the financial compensation. “When ICL organisers negotiated with us their offers were huge,” said Ahmed, who has taken 51 wickets in only 10 Tests for Pakistan. “But it’s been two years and they still haven’t cleared our dues.”

The ICL had signed over two dozen Pakistan cricketers, and five of them including Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq have already cut off their ties with the league and gotten NOCs to play for the national team again.

Recently, Hasan Raza and Mohammad Sami threatened to go to the court if their outstanding payments were not cleared soon. Pakistan openers Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat and his brother Humayun are also included in the list of players awaiting their dues.

“We have also sent them the legal notice through our agent [former Pakistan captain] Moin Khan but there has been no response,” said Ahmed. “I have no idea what the deal between Khan and the ICL was, but I am still waiting for my Rs10 million.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 27^th, 2011.