Dubai: Retired greats Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne today met ICC Chief Executive Dave Richardson at the global body's headquarters here to discuss their ambitious Legends T20 cricket League, proposed to be held in the USA in August-September.
“Sachin and Warne dropped in at the ICC headquarters this morning and met the ICC CEO Dave Richardson to share their planning and blueprint for the league that they are planning to float,” an ICC Spokesperson told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
However, the official clarified that it is not under ICC's jurisdiction to clear a private league floated by individuals as it comes under the purview of the home cricket board where the tournament or matches are supposed to be held.
“Look, ICC is not the body to clear the tournament. As per ICC's constitution, it is the home board that clears the tournament and informs the ICC subsequently about it.
“For example, it was the BCCI that informed us that the Indian Cricket League backed by Essel Group was not approved by them. So it was dubbed as an unsanctioned league. Similarly IPL, CPL, Natwest T20 Blast are leagues approved by BCCI, ECB and WICB,” the official explained.
The matches are being planned in US cities like Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.“The rule remains the same. There the governing body is USACA (United States of America Cricket Association) and if it's being held in the US, they would need their approval.”
There is a possibility that the two legends met Richardson to seek guidance from the ICC regarding logistical matters related to conducting a tournament and other nitty gritties.
Both Tendulkar and Warne took to twitter to confirm their meeting with ICC top official.
“Looking forward to the challenge @ShaneWarne. GAME ON!! It is #SachinversusWarne!!!,” Tendulkar tweeted before the meeting.
“Exciting meeting today with the #ICC Game on #SachinversusWarne !!!” was Warne's tweet.
