Imran Farhat, Taufiq Umer leave for Delhi

Lahore, Nov 14 (UNI) Defying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dictat, batsmen Imran Farhat and Taufiq Umar left for Delhi to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The PCB had warned its players not to join the breakway league which is being sponsored by the Essel Group.

The former Test openers will be accompanied by former captain Moin Khan, who was instrumental in persuading them to join the ICL.

Imran, who has played 27 Tests and 33 ODIs for his country, was left out of the Pakistan squad, currently touring India.

''It is always an honour to represent the country. But the circumstances and the selectors have forced me to join the ICL,'' farhat said.

He further stated that he would fulfill his commitment with the ICL as he had signed contract with them.

Taufiq, who represented Pakistan in 25 Tests and 19 ODIs, said it was the most difficult decision of his career to join the ICL.

''But justice was not done with me despite performing well in the domestic circuit. I had no choice but to join the league,'' he stated.

Brian Lara, Lance Klusener, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdur Razzaq, Mohammad Yousuf, Nicky Boje and Dinesh Mongia were some of the players who have signed up for the ICL.

Former India players Deep Dasgupta and Laxmi Ratan Shukla will also be a part of the rebel league.

The ICL will feature 20 matches from November 30 to December 16.

UNI