Is the Kerry Packer revolution an inspiration?
With due respects to what Kerry Packer did, our idea is completely different. Packer was truly commendable. What one-day cricket is today is mostly because of his foresight and innovations. However, ours is an entirely different concept. We don’t see it as an inspiration.

What is the timeline and by when do you intend to put everything in place for the ICL to commence?
To be frank, we haven’t set any deadline. I have said earlier that it has to be the third quarter of the year. So, it can most probably be either in November or December that we begin.

Why do you think the ICL will sell, especially when cricket is at an all-time low in India?
Zee does not think that cricket in India is all about big players and representing the country. There is a severe dearth of domestic cricket and to add, it is not sold properly. You hardly get 1000 people on the ground for a domestic match. Compare this to the county circuits in England, and other sporting events across the world. We keep spending so much money on international cricket, why can’t we create some local pride?

There are already some big names cropping up. How true are these rumours? Do you think old hands like Glenn McGrath, Brian Lara and Chris Cairns can make ICL successful?
As of now, I cannot confirm anything on the signing part. But yes, we have contacted a few big names across the world. You can use all those names that have cropped up (McGrath, Lara, Cairns, and Nathan Astle, Darren Gough and Shane Warne) if you are talking about those we have contacted. When big names are involved, they will definitely add to the quality.

What makes you believe that players like Sachin and Sourav might take up this offer? The BCCI is already acting tough on those who have switched.
You will see soon. Even players aren’t happy about the way a lot of things are currently working. The board hasn’t taken a stand yet but we don’t know what the future holds.

Indian cricketers take home good money in terms of retainership and match fees. You can match that?
They take home a good deal through endorsements and not retainership or match fee. Financial benefits can definitely be matched.

You are talking about picking fringe players or domestic performers. Will they sell?
There is no platform for these players to perform. If a youngster scores a century or picks wickets, there should be something in return. These players will definitely sell because we have a lot of talent.