Inzy may now take the IPL route

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is expected to cancel a contract with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) to join the official Indian Premier League (IPL), ‘The News’ learnt here on Friday.

Inzamam, who is set to retire from international cricket after playing in next week’s Test against South Africa in Lahore, has shown an interest in signing up for the IPL, a contest recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Nasim Ashraf, there is a big chance that Inzamam — who was touted as one of the biggest stars roped in by the breakaway league — will decide to cancel his contract to sign a new one with IPL.

Ashraf told this correspondent that BCCI officials, who are planning to launch the IPL in a grand manner next April, are yet to show an interest in Inzamam but was quick to add “that they would certainly sign up Inzamam once told that the player is interested in playing in their league”.

Inzamam was one of the four Pakistani players including Mohammad Yousuf, who initially joined the ICL this summer. Yousuf, however, has announced recently that he has cancelled a contract with the ICL to make himself available for national duty. Yousuf has also signed a contract to play in the IPL.

Ashraf said that Inzamam may also follow suit. “I will talk to the BCCI people soon and hope that Inzamam gets a good offer from IPL.”