Bond expects more Kiwis to join ICL next season

By Sharda Wadhwa

Mumbai

Oct. 6: Indian Cricket League recruit Shane Bond has warned that many current New Zealand stars were keen to join the league as they had not been given a fair deal in the Indian Premier League.

Talking to this paper, Bond said, "I am in constant touch with the New Zealand players. I can tell you that they respect the ICL a lot and I won’t be surprised if many current stars decide to join up for the next season. Many of them were quite left out in the IPL and it would be great if they come over."

The 33-year-old was all game for an IPL-ICL showdown and said the BCCI should lift its ban on the "rebel" league as it was only promoting the game.

"I would love an ICL-IPL showdown. The fans would definitely enjoy it and it would be money’s worth. As for the ban, it is very ridiculous for the BCCI to put a ban on someone promoting the game. They should lift the ban and try to promote the game together than taking the ICL as a rebel league.

"I am hopeful that the matter will get sorted out in the ICC meeting which will be taking place very shortly," said Bond who will be representing Delhi Giants in the upcoming season.

Bond was impressed with the talent in India and felt that many were capable of playing at the highest level. "The amount of domestic talent is huge. I feel many players like T.P. Singh, Dinesh Mongia, etc are capable of playing at the international level.

"I was very impressed with T P (Tejinder Pal) Singh. The main thing is that these youngsters are getting exposure and mixing with international players which will do them a world of good. There is no point in banning and calling us a rebel league."

The Kiwi star misses playing for his country and believes that he joined the ICL for financial security.

"I really miss playing for New Zealand."