If that is the case, why isn’t the BCCI taking a clear stand on ICL and mentioning it in the letter that they have sent to their units?

“In the past, the board hasn’t been strict about certain players going and playing such matches. But whenever we have come to know about this we have warned them. From now on the board will have decided to be strict,” they say.

Says Rajiv Shukla, BCCI vice-president: “The board is not stopping anyone, just making its stance clear. There are certain tournaments not approved by the board and therefore people cannot expect to work there and enjoy our benefits. The choice remains with the players. The BCCI is the only authorised body to conduct cricket in India and any one else coming in should be deemed illegal.”

But can’t an out of work former player go for greener pastures? “Even the BCCI can pay huge sums to cricketers and conduct high-profile tournaments. But after four years there will be no one playing cricket except these guys. If they are talking about developing cricket, they should invest in infrastructure, junior cricket and other pension schemes,” the official adds.