CAB and rebel cricketers see 'boon' on either side of change-over

Kolkata, Aug 20 (UNI) While Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) was hard-pressed to locate a 'boon' in the exodus, the eight players from Bengal, including Ranji captain Deep Dasgupta and hard hitting right hander Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, saw a new lease of life and cricket in the changeover to Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Bengal cricket was hit hard today with Subhash Chandra's Indian Cricket League (ICL) signing eight players from their ranks.

Skipper Deep Dasgupta along with a host of other star performers for the current Ranji Trophy runners up signed the dotted line for the multi-million dollar Essel group venture.

Other players included, all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Abhisekh Jhunjhuwala, Shibsagar Singh, Subhomoy Das, Rohan Gavaskar, Eklak Ahmed and Subhajit Paul.

Jhunjhunwala, who was in the probable list in the Twenty20 World Cup, was the biggest surprise. The dashing right-hander said, ''The offer from ICL is too good to resist. And apart from the money the League is also providing us an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best players in the world.'' But the Bengal cricket fraternity expressed complete surprise on Jhunjhunwala's decision, and one of the officials on conditions of anonymity said, ''Abhishek had a very bright future. A few good knocks this season and he could have made it big for India. He had the correct attitude and temperament. But now there is a big question mark over his future.'' Shukla, who played a few one-dayers for India a few years back said, ''I am playing at the domestic circuit for nearly 10 years.

But I am only 26 and when the national selector (Ranjiv Biswal) call you to be a oldie, you feel there is something wrong. ICL is a golden opportunity and I am ready to grab it with both hands.'' The CAB has taken a cautious approach over the matter and joint secretary Amitabha Banerjee said, ''It's true that we have lost eight of our most senior players. But this can be a boon for Bengal cricket. We are the national under-22 champions and we will give the junior boys a chance.'' ''We will concentrate on building a team for the future. With all these big names playing for us we never got a chance to experiment with our side. Now the juniors will get a chance and am sure they will grab it with both hands,'' were the words of wisdom in hindsight.

About the actions that CAB is mulling against the dissidents, Banerjee said, ''Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has certain set directives and as an affiliated unit we have to follow those. All the players who have joined ICL will be barred from using the facilities provided by the CAB. So the use of Eden Gardens, our indoor training facilities and the gymnasium is out of bounds for these players.'' Newly appointed Bengal coach Bharat Arun also said he is taking the whole matter as a challenge. ''It will be a challenge for the newer corps and also the few seniors who are left. It will be a challenge but I am ready for it.'' With eight of the seniors changing ranks, India probable Manoj Tewari is expected to lead Bengal at the next months Moin-ud-doula Trophy in Hyderabad. Accompanying him in all probability will be paceman Ranadeb Bose and fringe players like Safi Ahmed and Rana Chowdhury along with a clutter of under-22 stars.

UNI