New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned the newly launched National Cricket League in the United States of America (USA) for flouting playing X1 rules. The world cricket governing body set a major precedent by banning a league that was only launched in October. According to a report published by Cricbuzz, the NCL was found guilty of not fulfilling the playing eleven requirements which prompted the ICC to sanction the upcoming editions.
NCL’s violation of ICC playing XI rules
The report also states that ICC has written a letter to USA Cricket (USAC) about its decision and mentioned the reason for the banning as non-compliance to the playing eleven requirements. According to the ICC playing X1 rules, the league must field at least 7 USAC-affiliated or associated players but the NCL violated it.
The NCL kicked off in October this year amidst massive fanfare, grabbing the attention of the fans by appointing legendary cricketers Wasim Akram and Vivian Richards as ambassadors of the tournament. The league also attracted Indian icons Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar to the ownership group.
ICC’s letter to USA cricket and subsequent ban
The letter mentions that the league was found guilty of flouting the rules by allowing 6-7 foreign players to be fielded in the playing XI on multiple instances. The quality of the drop-in wickets also turned out to be below standard as fast bowlers like Wahab Riaz and Tymal Mills were forced to bowl spin to avoid injuring the batters.
The USA has seen a massive rise in the number of T10 and T20 leagues in recent times being organised in the country. Close to 60 first-class international cricketers are currently present in the American set-up.
The NCL started in October as six teams featured in the first season of the franchise league played in the T10 format. Star players like Tim David, Imran Tahir, Angelo Mathews and Shakib Al Hasan featured in the competitions which also witnessed the presence of legends like Sanath Jayasuriya and Vivian Richards in coaching roles. Chicago CC clinched the tournament under the leadership of former India batter Robin Uthappa.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned the newly launched US National Cricket League (NCL) for violating playing XI rules. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
