My cricketer son Tejaswi will not join ICL: Lalu

Varanasi, Aug 26 (UNI) A day after maintaining that the Indian Cricket League (ICL) will provide much needed competitive edge to Indian cricket, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today categorically stated his cricketer son Tejaswi Yadav will not join the Subhash Chandra funded league.

Admitting differences with BCCI over running the game in the country, Mr Prasad, also the president of Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) ruled out contesting elections for BCCI chairman in future.

''Tejaswi will not join ICL, but instead showcase his explosive batting skills in BCCI's cricketing arena. I have definitely some differences with the BCCI over the way they are handling the game, especially per se flawed selection policy, but that will not provoke me to compel my son to join ICL,'' Mr Prasad said here this evening.

In a brief chat with newspersons after a programme at the Diesel Locomotive Workshop (DLW) here, Mr Yadav reiterated that ''talented players from our backyard including Avinash Yadav and Mohd. Kaif presently lying in the cold exposed that BCCI's team selection process was flawed.'' Besides, not recognising BCA further underscored that the BCCI-train was not on the right track, the railway minister added.

''But despite having differences with BCCI I do not want to contest for the post of BCCI chairman in future,'' Mr Prasad maintained.

Tejaswi, who idolises South African all-rounder Jacques Kalis, presently represents Delhi in the BCCI-run U-17 circuit.

Tejaswi was an member of Delhi U-17 side which clinched the Vijay Merchant Trophy on University level.

Earlier, yesterday on the sidelines of sixth national convention of RJD which concluded here today, Mr Prasad had said Railways was examining possibility of signing a 25-year contract with the rebel cricket league.

He also reiterated that Railways was ready to give its grounds to anyone who makes good payment and also thinks in the development of sports.

''It will be great for the future of Indian cricket to have two leagues, one of BCCI and another the rebel ICL. Let the best players from both leagues come out and represent the country internationally.'' Mr Prasad had also avided competition between the BCCI and ICL on the ground.

UNI