Shukla returns to Bengal cricket146;s fold

Rubbishing claims that the Cricket Association of Bengal CAB had offered him incentives, Shukla said: 8220;I am not a businessman. I am a cricketer. It is just that I have listened to my heart.8221;

And would he try to bring those who have joined the ICL bandwagon back to their respective state sides? 8220;I have not done this to set an example. It is their individual choice,8221; he answered.

Shukla, who was present at the launch party had not yet signed the contract with the Subhash Chandra-led group, thus making it easier for him to decide on his future course of action. On his return from Mumbai, the all-rounder had several talks with CAB officials, including president Prasun Mukherjee, before deciding to stay back.

Skipper Deep Dasgupta, along with a host of other star performers for the current Ranji Trophy runners-up, signed on the dotted line for the multi-million dollar Essel group venture. The other players are Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Shibsagar Singh, Subhomoy Das, Eklak Ahmed and Subhajit Paul. Shukla, however, was indecisive.

Jhunjhunwala, who was in the probables list for the Twenty20 World Cup, was the biggest surprise among the rebels. However, the dashing right-hander squashed any chances of a possible come back to the Board of Control for Cricket in India8217;s fold. 8220;The offer from ICL is too good to resist. And apart from the money, the League is also providing us an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best players in the world,8221; Jhunjhunwala said.

Meanwhile, the CAB today welcomed Shukla back to its fold. Mukherjee said: 8220;Shukla is a very good player and it8217;s good to have him back.8221;