For old time's sake, McGrath keen to play in ICL

Sydney, Aug 7 (UNI) Retired bowling great Glenn McGrath expressed his interest in playing in the breakaway Indian Cricket League (ICL) but rubbished Dean Jones' suggestion that young Australian cricketers could also be involved.

McGrath, who ended his international career on a high after bagging the Man of the Tournament award at the World Cup, said if he signed a deal to play, it ''would probably have to be in the near future''.

But for McGrath, who admits to being a 'traditionalist', admits that Tests and ODIs are the 'real stuff' and he would only consider playing in the private league because it was a new form of the game -- Twenty20.

''I'm very much a traditionalist.

''To me, it's Test matches and one-dayers. Twenty20 has just come on the scene. The only reason I would be involved is because it's Twenty20,'' the 'Pigeon' said.

McGrath said he would enjoy playing other retired players in the Twenty20 competition, which has divided the Indian cricketing establishment.

Saying that playing the game he loves for a period of the year would give him his fill, he said ''To go and play cricket for a month, or eight games, it gives me my cricket fix for the year.'' ''So from a personal point of view, it's not too tough for me.

Plus, I get to play a little bit of cricket with guys that I've played a lot against. They are getting quite a few players signed up, or trying to,'' he added.

McGrath and Shane Warne have reportedly been offered lucrative contracts to play in the competition, which is due to take place in India. But former West Indies captain Brian Lara is the only major signing of the ICL till now.

The BCCI has threatened to ban Indian players who compete in the event from playing again in official tournaments.

McGrath and Aussie captain Ponting, who were at the Centre of Excellence in Canberra yesterday to mark the 20th anniversary, both dismissed ICL Executive Director Jones' remarks that emerging Ausssie talents could compete in the event alongside retired players.

''I can't see that happening,'' Ponting said, adding ''If these kids are good enough, they are going to be getting their chance to play state cricket at that age anyway - 18 or 19 years old.'' Ponting also scoffed at remarks that lucrative contracts in Twenty20 tournaments could lure current players into retiring before their time.

UNI