Indian cricket league : What ICL have to say

The parallel cricket proposed by Essel group in india , ICL is now into the news. Lets listen what ICL says about themselves.

"India is now a global economic power with analysts predicting an excellent future for the country. Research suggests that by 2050, India would be among the top four global economies. The liberalization policy has ignited entrepreneurial passions and catapulted India as a giant in sectors like IT and biotechnology.

Although India has emerged as an economic powerhouse, to be a true global power multifaceted excellence is the norm. Sport is an area where consistent performance and domination creates a global giant. India has to achieve it to be a true world power. The Essel group has taken an initiative in this frontier and the ICL is a step in this direction.

Cricket in India is a national obsession and a religion. It is a game which governs national pride and has fantastic following. Cricket is also the game where we are the closest to becoming a champion side. BCCI, the governing body of cricket in India provides contracts to just about 20 players which does not produce a high quality large bench strength. A reserve bench strength can be produced by lifting the level of domestic cricket. This will help the youngsters acclimatize to the rigors of International cricket.

ICL's mission is to create a pool of high quality ideal cricketers with killer instinct needed to be champions. This group of players should be able to perform under the pressures of International cricket and make India a champion side.

The ICL has planned a 3D strategy to achieve this target. 'Discovery' the first stage involves the best talent scouts traveling across the country to identify and unearth the finest of talents on offer. The second stage 'Diligence' would be carried out at specially built state of the art ICL residential academies across the country. The selected talent would undergo a strict training process at these academies. Their training would include skill based - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual modules. This training would be provided by seasoned professionals and would involve cutting edge sport science practices and traditional Indian sciences like Yoga. The third stage 'Display' is a professional cricket competition in a league format enabling the youngsters to display their prowess along and against the giants of world cricket.

The ICL would be run by a set of professionals with policies benchmarked against the best sports organizations globally. The executive board and other officials in ICL have a proven track record of managing sport especially cricket. Processes have been set in place to ensure transparency and high effectiveness.

Sport globally is a multi million dollar business. In the USA Sports related activities are the 11th largest contributor to the GDP. Sport has proven to be a very successful vehicle for corporates to associate with in furthering their commercial interests.

The ICL is keen to invite partners to move ahead in its goal. This document provides a description of the ICL and the various commercial opportunities and benefits associated with it. We look forward to your partnership in propelling India as a global cricketing and sporting power."
Original at http://www.indiancricketleague.in/abouticl.htm