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Journalism of Courage
For the Punjab Cricket Association, the Indian Cricket League has come like a hurricane. As if the seven players signing up with the rebel league last week wasn’t enough, now comes the shocking news of four more youngsters jumping onto the ICL bandwagon. It leaves the state team in tatters.
All-rounders Amit Uniyal and Bipul Sharma, last season’s fast-bowling hero Luv Ablish and India Under-19 leg break bowler Karanveer Singh have kissed goodbye to mainstream cricket and whatever hopes they may have harboured of playing for India some day by signing up with ICL.
Interestingly, these players are in the age groups of 20-25 years and had their best years coming yet.
But, as per the policy of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, a ban on them follows.
MP Pandove, Secretary PCA and joint secretary BCCI remained unmoved by the latest setback: “Players are free to make decisions; if they see a good future in joining ICL, then good luck to them. Punjab is known for producing good young cricketers. It’s like a nursery of talent. We have enough bench strength to replace the old ones and fill the vacuum.”
The Indian Express spoke to these players, attending a camp for the ICL recruits in Chennai, and what emerges is the tale of players having to decide between “cricketing uncertainty” and “financial security”.
As per information available, the players have been offered contracts amounting to Rs 75 lakh for the next three years.
Luv Ablish, the highest wicket-taker for Punjab in the last Ranji season and an employee of the Income Tax Department, Chandigarh, said: “I foresee a good future in ICL as it offers good money. Moreover, we will be playing with internationals players, which looked difficult going by the circumstances in the BCCI selections. Honestly, I was anticipating a selection call for India A this time, but all my efforts of last season have gone waste. I will miss playing for Punjab, but am more happy to be part of the ICL group.”
The same is the case with, Bipul Sharma, 24, and a left-arm spinner cast in the mould of an ideal Twenty-20 all-rounder. Having played for the North Zone team, many felt Bipul’s chance in the big league may have been round the corner but all that is history now.
“One can’t help it, there was no job security for me. Naturally I was tempted to join ICL,” he said, “Every cricketer dreams of donning the India colours one day, and that was my dream too¿ it’s sad BCCI will be banning us.”
The BCCI had upped the match fees in domestic cricket but Uniyal, 25 and without a job for the past five years doesn’t buy that. “For players like me, a place in the XI wasn’t assured even with my performance over the years. I wanted to play good, competitive cricket but with senior players in the Punjab team, one couldn’t be sure,” Uniyal, who once made it to the Board President’s XI against the visiting New Zealand team in 2003, says.
“At least now I know who I will be playing with and against, and when.”
The most curious case is that of Karanveer, who toured England with the India Under-19 team last year and was being considered a good prospect. He feels: “I believe that by joining the ICL we would all benefit. We won’t have to be worried about our selection as we have signed a three-year contract.”
