Ill-treatment by MCA forced me to join ICL: Jadhav

Pune, Aug 20 (UNI) Agitated over by the ill-treatment meted out to him by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), prolific opener Dhiraj Jadhav has signed a three-year contract with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Jadhav will inform about his decision to the MCA in writing tomorrow.

When contacted, Jadhav, who is presently in Mumbai, told UNI over the phone that having finalised the three-year contract with the ICL, it is now a mere formality to inform the parent association.

The dependable southpaw, Jadhav could not stomach the ill- treatment and frustration after he fell from favour of the MCA president Ajay Shirke, forcing him to take the decision.

The 27-year-old Club of Maharashtra player pointed out that ''Though the lucrative offer was a consideration, it was not the only reason.'' ''It pained me a lot after having omitted from the last season's Ramakant Desai Trophy (West Zone one-dayer), which forced me to take up the ICL offer,'' he explained.

Without naming any one, Jadhav said, ''The way things are going in the MCA, I cannot expect and hope to get a far deal to pursue my dream to play for India.'' So, when the ICL got in touch with me and offered me a three- year contract, I had no choice but to accept it,'' the opener said.

''It was always my endeavour to score consistently for the state team and help them do well, and in the process also realise my cherished dream,'' the endearing Jadhav said.

Jadhav confessed that he had also received an offer from some of the plate division Ranji Trophy teams and one from the elite division.

''Now, there is no point in me joining the plate division team.

Though Rajasthan (Elite) wanted me to take a transfer to Jaipur (with its employer Air India), I declined the offer due to family reasons,'' he said.

Jadhav also revealed that he would get 25 per cent of his assured sum in the annual contract from the ICL before the start of the Twenty20 season. One of the clauses in the contract also mention that he must be available for the future ICL events.

Jadhav, donning the India cap, always remained uncertain due to the intense competition for the opener's slot. He was among the 14 during the 2004 Mumbai test against Australia. He was also on the 2005 Zimbabwe tour.

He has played 53 first class games, averaging more than 51, with 11 centuries. He has represented India A, Rest of India (Irani Trophy), Board President XI (Tour Games) and West Zone.

UNI