Madan Lal confirms joining ICL

New Delhi, July 23 (UNI) Former India all-rounder Madan Lal today confirmed joining the Essel-promoted Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Speaking to UNI, Madan Lal said, ''Yes, I have joined ICL after its Working Committee approached me with the offer.'' Television channels also ran stories of Brian Lara and former India player Balwinder Singh Sandhu joining Lal in the rebel league.

On being asked about the foreign players coming to join the league, he said, ''This will certainly strengthen cricket at the grassroot with foreign players being roped in to play for the league, this is good for the game in the country.'' About the role offered to him by the ICL, he said, ''I still need to check all the details and then will give my best to the job in hand.'' ''I have coached Team India for a year and this experience will help me in my current assignment.'' The former India coach refused to comment on the possible stopping of 'Welfare Allowance' from the BCCI for joining ICL, Lal said, ''I can't say anything on the issue, BCCI will have to decide on the same.'' UNI BJR PDS KN1932