Shukla will stay with Bengal: Samar Pal

Kolkata, Aug 23 (UNI) Though the ICL has projected Bengal all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla as one of their priced catch, but Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) joint secretary Samar Pal claimed that the young cricketer would remain in the BCCI fold.

Shukla met Mr Pal and a number of CAB office bearers yesterday, who wre convinced that Shukla will appear for Bengal in coming domestic season.

''We had a talk and he will stay with Bengal. I am confident, he has assured us. I also had talks with Rohan Gavaskar. He will also stay with Bengal and more importantly BCCI,'' Mr Pal said.

However, talking to UNI Laxmi Ratan Shukla said, ''I was not supposed to sign the contract with ICL in Mumbai. I was supposed to sign on my return to Kolkata. So there should be no surprises on that ground. As far as my joining ICL or not is concerned you have to wait till tomorrow. Give me a little time.'' Shukla has represented India in three ODIs but he has an awesome domestic record and is a regular matchwinner for Bengal in the dmestic circuit.

UNI