Kareena and Aamir Khan could tie-up with ICL

Bollywood superstars Kareena Kapoor and Aamir Khan are likely to be associated with teams in the unofficial Indian Cricket League, Cricinfo has learnt. However, unlike the Indian Premier League, the ICL has ruled out handed over ownership to the superstars.

"Ever since our inaugural tournament we have seen some interest from Bollywood personalities and we are at an advanced stage of discussions with a few of them," Ashish Kaul, the executive vice-president of Essel Group, told Cricinfo.

"This may involve owning a part of the stake, it may have to do with long-term associations, or long-term sponsorships, tie-ups."

However, Kaul confirmed that the ICL were not changing their model and would not hand over entire ownership to individuals. "Our cricket is not for sale," he said, "and we are not going to function with auctions."

Khan and Kapoor, it is learnt, are leading contenders to have long-term associations with teams. Both may be marketed as the face of the team and used as ambassadors in sponsorships.

Kapoor had performed at the opening ceremony of the inaugural edition of the ICL in Panchkula. The latest instalment of the ICL kicked off on March 9, with two new teams - increasing the total to eight - and is to be held at three venues, Panchkula, Hyderabad and Gurgaon, instead of one.