Pakistanis 'not ending ICL contracts'

Lahore Badshahs opener Imran Farhat has dismissed suggestions that Pakistani players in the ICL wanted to end their contracts and play for the national side again given the unofficial league's uncertain future.

He also refuted claims that along with other players they had given it in writing to the PCB that they would terminate their ICL contracts if reconsidered for selection. "I think there is some misunderstanding," Farhat told a private TV channel. "I have given no undertaking to the board that I will cancel my ICL contract if they select me for Pakistan.

"It is also wrong to say that the ICL is being wound up and that they have already cancelled our contracts which is why some of the players now are offering to play for Pakistan again."

Farhat, 26, who has played 26 Tests and 33 ODIs for Pakistan, said the ICL had not informed him or most of the other players of any plans to cancel their contracts. However, Farhat and Mumbai Champs batsman Hasan Raza, who was also present during the talk show, said their priority was to always play for Pakistan and if they were selected they would rethink their future options.

"As it is, the ICL contract never prevented us from playing for our country even during the League if we were required for national duty," Raza said. "It is the board's decision to ban us and this only hurt Pakistan."

"We got a chance to play in the ICL at a time when, despite consistent performances, the national selectors and the board were ignoring us. Cricket is our bread and butter and the ICL took good care of us financially," Farhat said.

He also said the players were not worried about not receiving any payments from the ICL for some months. "They are good paymasters and have taken good care of us. A few months' delay is no issue. We know eventually we will have our dues cleared."