Gillespie disappointed with CA over ICL ban

Melbourne, Mar 1 (UNI) Former pace spearhead Jason Gillespie, who has retired from first-class cricket to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL), has expressed disappointment at Cricket Australia (CA) for banning players who sign with the rebel Twenty20 competition.

''It ... is a little bit disappointing (that) players can't play ICL and play first-class in Australia,'' Gillespie told mediapersons. ''But the ICC makes the decisions and there's not much we can do about it.'' The 32-year-old right-armer, who is Australia's sixth-highest Test wicket-taker, announced his retirement yesterday.

Gillespie remarked that he found the ICL suitable for him because it meant he could spend more time with his family and do ''something different'' and a bit more relaxed than the grind of first-class cricket.

It will pays better too. His three-year ICL contract is thought to be worth more than US$ 300,000.

''This opportunity came up and it was too good an opportunity to turn down,'' Gillespie said. ''I wasn't sure whether I was going to play another year for South Australia. This opportunity came up and I wanted to explore it.'' The pacer from South Australia made his Test debut against the West Indies in 1996 and went on to take 259 Test wickets at an average of 26.13, with a best of 7-37 at Headingley in 1997.

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