ICL's big money offer will lead to early retirements: Ponting

Sydney, July 29 (UNI) Australia captain Ricky Ponting has said that big money ventures like Essel Group-promoted Indian Cricket League (ICL) would do no good to cricket but rather could induce ageing players retire prematurely from international scene.

Australian greats Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath were reportedly being offered six-figure sums to join the ICL bandwagon though the two Aussies have not confirmed their participation in the parallel venture.

''It's only a concern if there is huge money involved in it,'' Ponting said.

''The other thing being talked about is this (Allen) Stamford guy in the West Indies. The 23 million dollar he's said to be offering is a concern because the way I look at it is people getting towards the end of their international career will look at it and think, If I'm guaranteed that, this kind of money might be a good thing,'' he told Sunday Sydney Morning Herald.

One of the reasons given by the promoters of ICL to start their venture was to groom young talents from different countries, but Ponting believes the offer of a Twenty20 tournament will not help the young cricketers to learn the game.

''I'm not sure what these 18- or 19-year-olds will learn from Twenty20 cricket.

''I can't see how Twenty20 cricket will do much in giving them an upbringing in learning much about the game.

''I read where Deano (Dean Jones) said it will help these guys out. It won't help them out; it will help Deano out. It will help the people running the event,'' he added, taking a dig at Jones.

Australia, New Zealand and Indian cricket boards have said that they would not allow any of their contracted players, at national and state levels, to take part in any tournament which does not enjoy official sanction by the ICC, as is the case with ICL.

UNI