Badger Set for ICL - Paul Nixon signs for Indian Cricket League

Wednesday, October 01, 2008 : Twenty20

Badger - Paul Nixon's nicknamePaul Nixon, nickname 'Badger', has signed up to a second season in the ICL. As Leicestershire captain, this has put his county contract in jeopardy. Currently counties using ICL players are banned from participating in the Champions Trophy, the Twenty20 'club league'. The ICL is not sanctioned by the ICC and is in competition with the BCCI backed and ICC sanctioned IPL (Indian Premier League) Twenty20 event.

Is this the start of Twenty20 money magnetically drawing players out of regular 4/5 day first-class cricket? Are older players slogging around the county championship in the hope of a swansong England career, now more likely to retire earlier and slog for some quick rupees?

Not only is first-class cricket in danger of losing talent to Twenty20 events, but other draws exist. For example Alex Louden recently left cricket for a financial career in the City at the age of just 27.

ICC
International Cricket Council
IPL
Indian Premier League
ICL
Indian Cricket League
BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India

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