Even as Hyderabad Heroes and Chandigarh Lions battled it out in the middle, Kapil Dev pitched in for Robin Singh, Venkatesh Prasad and Lalchand Rajput for the job of India’s cricket coach.
“Why not Robin (Singh), Venkatesh (Prasad) or (Lalchand) Rajput (cricket manager) I am disappointed for them,” he said in response to the Board appointing a foreign coach (Gary Kirsten).
On the field, former Pakistan opener Imran Farhat, who played 27 Tests and 33 ODIs, produced the innings of the Indian Cricket League thus far, slaughtering the bowlers to smash an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, making a mockery of the target of 135 as Chandigarh Lions won by six wickets.
Former Test all-rounder and coach Madan Lal agreed with Kapil. “One thing is clear that the Board is not going to appoint anyone from within the country despite so many experienced and qualified people available. If they have made it a policy matter, they are free to pick anyone they like,” said Madan.
But Kapil was pleased that the foreigners involved in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) had adopted a professional approach towards their responsibilities.
“They have been interacting with the local players a lot and guiding them. It is this seriousness from the foreigners that has been an important point in the matches being competitive.
“On the whole, we have come close to what we had aimed for, which is to provide good platform to budding domestic cricketers. It is good to see the commitment of the players who are taking part in this tournament,” added Kapil.
Adding value to Kapil’s observations, Farhat applied himself well and belted the ball into the stands. The crowd relished it, for big hits had been a rarity in most matches.
Blistering knock
Farhat’s blistering knock was studded with five sixes and seven fours.
In what was a crucial match for them, Hyderabad Heroes and Chandigarh Lions played some intense cricket.
After losing S. Shahabuddin to the fifth ball of the innings, Hyderabad Heroes, electing to bat, recovered through a racy partnership between Anirudh Singh (39 off 39 balls with five fours and a six) and Ambati Rayudu (22 off 18 balls with three fours).
In the closing overs, Chris Harris and Nicky Boje added some useful runs.
The job was accomplished in style as Chandigarh Lions won their second match in three to lead the table.
The encouraging response from the audience was the most striking feature of the day. “Even on a working day the galleries are full. That means we are gradually gaining recognition. I know it’s a great thing to play for one’s country. That is the dream of every cricketer, — recognise them (BCCI), what can we do if they don’t recognise us (ICL),” concluded Kapil.
The scores:
Hyderabad Heroes 134 for nine in 20 overs (Anirudh Singh 39, Andrew Hall three for 17) lost to Chandigarh Lions 137 for four in 16.2 overs (Imran Farhat 74 not out).
Source : http://www.hindu.com/
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