For the two foreign recruits in the Chandigarh Lions team, the Indian Cricket League (ICL) represents different challenges: for New Zealander Daryl Tuffey it is an option to make some money besides playing competitive cricket, while for the Pakistani Imran Farhat it is probably an effort to forget the bitterness that pushed him to this ‘rebel’ series in the first place.One thing common between the two, though, is the optimism they exude towards the League: “It will work. Let it begin, people will love it,” both say, almost in unison. Farhat and Tuffey would be part of the Chandigarh side which will be led by another New Zealander, Chris Cairns. Farhat had been disappointed with the way doors were shut on him in the Pakistan team. “I could never understand the Pakistan selection committee. I was not considered for the World Cup played in the West Indies despite performing reasonably well in the top order.”He was seen as Pakistan’s most promising Test opener. He was dropped from the ODI team following Pakistan’s tour to South Africa and was left behind for the World Cup as well as the Abu Dhabi series against Sri Lanka and the short tour to Scotland. Farhat, however, was awarded a central contract which he duly signed but was then released upon his request when he signed up with the ICL, thereby cancelling his PCB contract. On being asked whether he will miss playing for Pakistan, Farhat said, “Definitely, I will miss representing my country but I am still hopeful of making a comeback to the national side.” That is unlikely to happen till the PCB changes its stance towards the ICL.Tuffey on the other hand, has no such issues with his board. Despite opposition from the BCCI, New Zealand Cricket has not stopped any player from playing in the ICL. “I don’t see any harm in taking part in the ICL Championship, nor does New Zealand Cricket. In fact, I would say that the New Zealand Board has taken it in a positive manner. And eventually the lucrative ICL contracts will benefit cricketers. I am eagerly waiting for the tournament to kick-off.” He said, “Cricket leagues like this provides a common platform to the cricketers to perform. ICL Championship will be an instant hit among the cricket followers, and it is fantastic for the promotion of the game.”
