‘Never had second thoughts about ICL’

Question: Why did you take the plunge to join ICL despite warnings from the BCCI, and you were performing decently in the domestic circuit?

Abhishek: If you assess the offer I had from ICL, I couldn’t refuse. It gave me immense security, and I couldn’t let it got. I couldn’t take the risk of letting it go, because I might never have received a better offer.

Q: Were you inspired by the fact that you would get to rub shoulders with some the world’s best players?

A: Yes, it did. You don’t get to play with players of that calibre very often, not at all in the domestic cricket. I thought I was lucky to have played against Sachin Tendulkar when the Bengal team reached the Ranji final. But that was a one-off experience.

Q: But didn’t you think about the fact that you would never get to play for India?

A: See, everyone dreams of playing for the country. But, you don’t always get a look-in just because you’re performing decently. There are a lot of things that have to fall in place in order to play for the country. Of course, there is the luck factor. But as I said, I couldn’t refuse the offer.

Q: While the ICL was starting, the BCCI was making its own plans to counter its presence. Wasn’t it a little intimidating for you all?

A: No, it wasn’t intimidating at all. By then, we had the best domestic players in the country. There was also a lot said about how ICL had just two players who were past their prime. Well, even IPL has players who have retired or are on the verge of retiring.

Q: What was the overall experience like? You played against players like Inzamam ul-Haq, Brian Lara, Nantie Hayward and other big names.

A: I learnt a lot from the international level players. All of them are very professional. You learn a lot just by observing the way they go about their business. They are so level-headed and down-to-earth and the most important thing was the level of commitment shown by them.

Q: Did you approach any one in particular for assistance?

A: Well, I had a word with Sandeep Patil. And Darryl Cullinan helped me a lot. He was the coach of the Bengal team, and I can honestly say I’m a better player now. He was very helpful.

Q: Apart from the T20 format, how was playing in the ICL different from playing in the regular domestic circuit?

A: A lot of things were different. The training itself was much more intense and scientific. Jock Campbell (fitness coach) and his team from Australia were brilliant.

Q: The first hurdle has been crossed, so what’s in the pipeline for the ICL?

A: The second tournament will start in March. It’ll be held in Delhi, Hyderabad and Chandigarh. All the foreign players are coming back. Also, this season two new teams will be joining ICL. There will be teams from Pakistan and Ahmedabad.

Q: During the last season, all of you were under a lot of pressure. People said the ICL would be a complete failure? Did you have second thoughts then?

A: People must understand that we are just playing cricket. It’s not like we’re doing something illegal. The ICL has given young players in the country the chance to make a career out of cricket. Only a few make it to the national side. But with ICL, youngsters now have a realistic chance of playing cricket and earning good money. It’s just like any other job, which is why I never had any second thoughts. I am happy with my decision.

Q: Where do you see the ICL heading in the future?

A: We have a lot of plans in the pipeline. There are plans to have a 50-over tournament in the future, and also three or four-day matches.

Q: Finally, have you given up on your dreams of playing for India?