MCL seeking current player participation is unacceptable - ICC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) stated that the organisers of the Masters Champions League (MCL) looking to add current players to their teams is an unacceptable move.

Clive Hitchcock, who is the ICC senior operations manager revealed that current players from two full member nations have been approached by MCL to seek no objection certificates in order to play in the tournament.

"Within the past week we have received notification from two Full Members that its current players have just been approached to play in the event, by requesting those players to seek NOCs from their respective Board,” Hitchcock was quoted saying from an email by ESPNcricinfo. 

Hitchcock further clarified that the MCL was given approval as a tournament for retired players and also informed respective boards of the nations to contact him if they receive requests from current players.

"Our decision not to issue a Disapproved Notice was based on the application from MCL which clearly stated that it was an event for retired players only.

"Emirates Cricket Board, who sanctioned the event, did so on the basis of their negotiations with MCL for a retired players event.

“Consequently, the actions of those involved with the MCL in seeking current player participation in the event is unacceptable to us.

"In the meantime if you (the national boards) receive a request from one of your current/non-retired players to participate in the event would you please let me know immediately,” said Hitchcock in his email. 

Earlier this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board has asked its players who were looking to participate in the MCL to announce their irrevocable retirement in writing in order to obtain clearance.  

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