Six Indian Test cricketers will get match practice in New Zealand's domestic competition under an arrangement that avoids any conflict over the Indian Cricket League (ICL), officials said Sunday.
Six Indian Test cricketers will get match practice in New Zealand's domestic competition under an arrangement that avoids any conflict over the Indian Cricket League (ICL), officials said Sunday.
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Test specialist batsmen Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Murali Vijay along with bowlers Amit Mishrah, Lakshmipathy Balaji and Dhawal Kulkarni will make guest appearances to acclimatise to New Zealand conditions.
The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) demanded the six players get time in the middle before the Tests start on March 18, but there was to be no contact with any player linked to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).
The BCCI's opposition to the so-called "rebel" ICL league was underlined last week when it barred Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik from an exhibition Twenty20 game because a former ICL player was also involved.
Under the pre-Test deal, five of the Indian players will join New Zealand teams with no ICL connection and playing teams without any ICL players.
The exception is Dravid who will play for Canterbury but their ICL players Chris Harris and Shane Bond will not be involved. New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said he was pleased they were able to meet the Indian requirement for game time for the players.
"There have been a number of issues to work through, including the involvement of ICL players, NZC's rules around overseas and qualifying players, player allocation, scheduling and travel arrangements," Vaughan said.
"This is an excellent solution that means we're able to offer the incoming Indian players appropriate preparation in first-class conditions."
India's coach Gary Kirsten said the team was thankful that the players had been accommodated.
"Because of the tight schedule and no warm up match it would have been difficult for those players straight off the plane. I think it sets a good example," said Kirsten.
The three-Test series starts on March 18 after the completion of five one-day internationals.
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