For those still interested in the ICL versus IPL debate, here’s a possible end in sight. If the BCCI agrees to accept the challenge, that is. Former India wicket-keeper and ICL executive board member Kiran More has dared the board for an IPL vs ICL T20 match to decide which of the two leagues is better and more proficient at developing talent.

“I openly challenge the board for a match. Let’s have an ICL vs IPL match,” More thundered. “We’ve contributed the maximum in the Indian grassroots, let them bring on their cricketers and play against the talent we’ve scouted. That will decide which of us is better.”

But, at the same time, More says he’s fed up of comparisons with the IPL. “I just want to concentrate on ICL. We have had a fantastic turnout in all our grounds and the people are watching us,” he said.

Stanford face-off

While the board mulls over this challenge, More said the ICL champions may play for a $ 1 million jackpot against the champions of the Stanford championship — another private T20 initiative in the Caribbean that has a number of former West Indies players in its fold. “We’re definitely moving towards it and we hope to arrive at a decision soon,” More said. Citing another example of the ICL’s progress, More hinted that the league was all set to enter the foreign market. “We are looking at some venue abroad to broaden our horizon. But it would be premature to say where exactly we are heading,” he said.

... contd.