18 more Cricketers including Cairns and Astle join ICL

The Indian Cricket League, has added 18 more cricketers to its fold. Six international and 12 domestic players decided to sign contracts with the ICL, an Essel Group venture. The players included New Zealand all-rounders Chris Cairns, Chris Harris and Nathan Astle. Harmish Marshal of New Zealand, Pakistan's Azhar Mahmood and England's Darren Maddy also joined the ICL.

In another twist and turn of event, Pakistan's star batsman Moahammed Yousuf did a U-turn and aligned with the Pakistan Cricket Board by accepting a central contract from the board. He later addressed a joint press conference to announce his availability for the first Test against South Africa. It came as a shock for the ICL and it has shot a letter to him demanding explanation on his contract with them.