- but first, I had to literally rub my eyes over and over again before it sunk in, did the chap say ‘cream’?

Agreed, chief, they got the balls to bitch at the BCCI and ditch them (after the BCCI ditched them anyway, but hey) but barring that, there’s nothing creamy about these players. Perhaps they have the talent after all, but the creme-de-la-creme, monsieur, is currently playing cricket in England. Then, come the benchwarmers, and finally, when the U-19 hotshots are overlooked, does the ICL have names that grab attention.

Not that the ICL has substandard names, but let’s be realistic here - the real ‘cream’ of the ICL, if any, are the international players. So Kapil Dev ought to watch that mouth. It’s bad enough making those kind of statements - but hear this one out: ‘I will back you till the last day I live’. Er - these are cricketers, not the light brigade, right?

Which makes me wonder, is the ICL such a big deal after all? If it is, pray enlighten yours truly, where are the tournament dates? The stable plans? The infrastructure? Or is it too ‘new’ yet? Oops, just an infant, let it be guys. Unfortunately, that makes it all look silly, especially when the guy facing the media is an Indian cricketer that gave his heart and nothing less than cent-percent for his nation. If only the orifice in his face would work as well as his limbs did during the ‘83 Cup, that would give ICL a lot of tidiness, and the BCCI, a few yorkers and bouncers to deal with.

And when the likes of Inzy join the league, perhaps a beamer or two.

Tell you what - I’m backing the ICL for many reasons. To start with, it’s a good combination of raw talent and seasoned players, at first glance. Secondly, these are guys who’ve rebelled in their own way, and I’m a fan of rebellions - sue me if you may. Most importantly, it gives the arrogant BCCI an oh-so-slight kick up the rear to get their act together. And hey, that was bloody overdue.

And what has BCCI done in response? Very little, except imposing bans, introducing their Pak/SL counterparts to similar silly bans if their players try anything ‘fancy’, expel the legendary Kapil Dev as NCA Chairman, and upping the domestic players’ fees by more than double.

Very little.