Maharashtra PRO S Sriram opts to play for ICL League

Pune, Aug 18 (UNI) After Hyderabad was put in turmoil, it is now the turn of Maharashtra to suffer the first setback as their pro S Sriram decided to join the rank and file of the rival Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Sriram, the Tamil Nadu batsman who joined Maharashtra as pro, played for the state Ranji trophy during the last two seasons and helped retain the Elite Group.

Sriram communicated his decision to the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president Ajay Shirke today.

Mr Shirke, in a release here, said the MCA Ranji selection panel was remotely aware of the possibility of S Sriram playing for the rival ICL. However, it had already braced itself for such an eventuality.

Meanwhile, the panel has contacted the prolific run-getter Venugopal Rao and selected him as a repalcement for S Sriram, he said.

The MCA selection panel is now holding discussion with other professionals who are willing to play for Maharashtra in case other professionals decide to play for the ICL, Mr Shirke informed.

With the ICL presenting lucrative offers, it may be possible that more players from Maharashtra change the side and opt to play in the ICL tournament.

UNI