ICC, BCCI, ICL reps to meet in Jo'burg on Feb 21

Rpresentatives of the ICC, the Indian Cricket League and the BCCI will meet in Johannesburg next week to thrash out a settlement on the 'rebel' league's application for official recognition.

This follows the ICC Executive Board's decision early this month authorising the official cricket boards of each country to decide on which events/tournaments within its territory are approved/unapproved.

Around 150 players plying their trade in the ICL have been banned by their respective boards and the ICC is keen that the matter gets sorted out in the February 21 meeting. Pakistan has recently allowed its players aligned with ICL to play in domestic circuit following a ruling by Sindh High Court but still retained the ban on playing international cricket.

ICL chairman Subhas Chandra will be in Johannesburg for the meeting, according to 'Cricinfo'. Chief executive Haroon Lorgat said the world body was optimistic of finding a solution soon. "We are advanced in possible discussions that could hopefully determine settlement," Lorgat said. "I think we must always be optimistic that we can work out something but there are still some miles to cross."