News

Lloyd hopeful ICL and IPL will co-exist

Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain and ICC cricket committee chairman, is hopeful the ICL and IPL can co-exist and believes similar leagues in the West Indies will boost the game in the region

Cricinfo staff
20-Nov-2008

Clive Lloyd's suggestion would be welcomed by Kapil Dev, the ICL's executive board chairman © Getty Images
 
Clive Lloyd, the former West Indies captain and ICC cricket committee chairman, is hopeful the ICL and IPL can co-exist and believes similar leagues in the West Indies will boost the game in the region.
"There's nothing like having a discussion to break the ice," Lloyd told the Times of India. "Just like the United States president Barack Obama said 'you have to speak to people'. They [IPL and ICL] both need to understand their agendas and work accordingly." At present, the ICC and the Indian board have not recognised the ICL, and most national bodies have banned players contracted with the league from playing international or domestic cricket.
Lloyd felt it will take some time for administrators to find a window for the Twenty20 leagues. "It will be ideal if they have a period where they can go and earn money and go back to Tests. It's some time before the FTP [Future Tours Programme] can find the right slots for IPL and other similar tournaments so that players representing their countries are not forced to make a choice.
"The players are now hoping that they don't have to choose between Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s.
With contracts worth millions on offer in the Twenty20 leagues, and a million dollars on grabs for each of the winning XI in the Stanford 20/20 for 20 in Antigua, Lloyd felt upcoming players needed to be given proper advice. "We need to get to make young players to understand that it's just not about money. Money is there to be earned, but they need to learn the rudimentary elements of the game."
Lloyd said the West Indies needed leagues like the IPL and ICL to help revive the falling fortunes of the country in the sport; the region has the Stanford 20/20 as its premier domestic tournament currently, with 20 teams participating. "Leagues similar to the IPL and ICL will not only bring young talented players in the national team but will also make their basics clear," Lloyd said. "The standard of domestic cricket is poor in the Caribbean and hence there is a need to bring in leagues like these. They would not only improve the standard of the game but will also help players become experienced at a young age."
After the success of the Stanford Superstars, Lloyd is backing the players to win a World Cup soon. Lloyd had led West Indies to wins in 1975 and 1979. "The team has not won any major trophy for a long time and lacks consistency. But I am sure they will be back in form and will bring the [World] Cup home in the Caribbean soon," he said. "Apart from the money, players will gain experience with the right people to guide them from Standford Twenty20 Super Series."