ICL to hold camp for recruits from Aug 29

Chennai, Aug 25 (UNI) In what could be termed as its first onfield activity amidst its 'player recruitment drive' and running feud with the BCCI, Essel Group's Indian Cricket League (ICL), will organise a camp at a sprawling and posh sports comlex here from August 29.

Confirming this to UNI, former India and Tamil Nadu stumper Bharat Reddy, who is involved with the ICL for spotting talent, said about 54 players who had signed up for the league, would be attending the camp.

He also indicated that in addition to six Tamil Nadu players who had signed up with the multi-million dollar league, some more would also be roped in.

ICL executive, former India captain and coach Kapil Dev, who was removed from the NCA for crossing over to ICL, will also be present, he said adding, ''But I don't know when he would be here.'' Essel has signed a deal for its training and practice facilities with Mayajaal complex, situated about 25 km from the city.

However, according to sources, the details of the deal are likely to be revealed once the stock exchanges are furnished with the details in a couple of days.

''Pentamedia Graphics, which owns the Mayajaal complex is a listed company, we will have to furnish the details to the Mumbai Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange,'' the sources added.

''We will make the deal public once the formalities with the stock exchanges are completed,'' the source said.

The complex houses two cricket grounds, besides an indoor cricket training facility.

The 'A' ground at the complex is of international standard and the size complies with ICC specifications and has lush green outfield, which is fast also, according to Mr Thirugnanasambandham, business development manager of the complex.

The main ground had hosted some of the women's international matches. The last one being the four-nation cricket tournament, which involved teams from Australia and New Zealand, last year.

The ground is now hosting some of the league matches of the ongoing All India Buchi Babu Invitation cricket tournament.

The 30 acre sports complex also has a six-screen multiplex theatre, a resort, restaurants and swimming pools, befitting the hype and the glamour associated with ICL.

UNI