Big League

Subhash Chandra’s run-INS with the BCCI for cricket rights is old news. In 2007, however, the jousting took on a whole new dimension when Chandra (56) announced plans to launch his own Indian Cricket League.The concept—six cities, international marquee names, and a 20:20 format—must have seemed like a sure recipe for success. But, the board struck back with its own Indian Premier League and weaned away some of the star power. The timing for the inaugural tournament (from November 30-December 16) also proved inopportune, coming in the midst of an India-Pakistan series. But ICL proved a great way for upcoming players to rub shoulders with the likes of Brian Lara, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Lance Klusener, and earn top money in the bargain. For fans, it was an opportunity to cheer their throats out, away from the fanaticism of normal cricket, in what was clearly just entertainment.