Rediff
Mumbai, Oct 21: "BCCI told us to first close down Indian Cricket League and then only they (BCCI) shall talk to us," said an agitated Kapil Dev, explaining why the ICL's meeting with the Indian cricket board failed.
"There was hardly any meeting. They told us to close down ICL first before they begin talks," the former India skipper, currently chief of the ICL, told mediapersons in Ahmedabad.
The ICL had applied to the International Cricket Council for recognition but a decision on the issue was deferred during its Board meeting. Instead, the ICC asked BCCI president Shashank Manohar to meet ICL representatives and submit a report on the discussions.
Following ICC's directive, both parties met in New Delhi last week but failed to make any headway on the contentious issue.
"We have again applied to the ICC, as we have hopes from the world body. They have asked us to wait for 21 days. We shall wait for their decision," Kapil said.
Asked if he plans to take legal action against the BCCI, Dev replied, "Of course, but it will be the ultimate step."
Dev drew comparison between the South African cricket team during the apartheid period and BCCI, saying the latter is acting like the former.
"During the apartheid period we were ready to play with South Africa, but they refused to play with us. The same thing is being done by BCCI with ICL. We are ready to play, but they are not," Kapil, captain of India's 1983 World Cup-winning team, said.
"How can you restrict somebody from playing cricket. Cricket is for all. There are hundreds of young and talented boys who want to play cricket for India. It is wrong to stop anybody from playing according to his will," he said.
He asked, Should there be only one government school in the country? What if some private schools come up and provide education to few more?
"Playing cricket is like education. Young players need more platforms to show their talent, and restricting them is awfully wrong. We have not restricted any of our players. They are free to play anywhere," Kapil added.
Asked about his impression of Ahmedabad as a venue for ICL matches, Kapil said he is satisfied with the response and also plans to reschedule the final of ICL's second season to Ahmedabad.