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Sathish hopes ICL will get ICC recognition

Sports Reporter

TIRUCHI: ICL India XI captain R. Sathish said that leading the team was something he had not imagined even in his wildest dream.

Addressing the media here on Saturday, Sathish, who led the ICL India XI to victory in the inaugural edition of the ICL 20s World Series recently, said that beating the World XI in the final was no mean achievement. “Through the victory we proved our ability. It only underlines the importance of providing opportunities to youngsters.”

Sathish, an engineering graduate from Tiruchi, added that ICL offered a chance for talented cricketers from the country to rub shoulders with the game’s greats. “I performed to the best of my ablity in Ranji Trophy matches, but my efforts went unnoticed. When the chips were down, ICL gave me the much-needed encouragement,” he said.

Rixon’s role

Making a special mention about the key role played by India XI’s coach and former Australian wicketkeeper Steve Rixon in the team’s success, Sathish said that Rixon’s valuable advices proved vital during crucial moments of many encounters.

Commending the efforts of his teammates, in particular Ibrahim Khaleel, the wicketkeeper-batsman who was declared the Man-of-the-Series, Sathish said that everyone in the side made best use of the opportunities that came their way.

Sathish, who is leaving for England shortly to play for the Whalley Cricket Club, said that ICL doors are always open for young talent. “I hope the ICC would recognise ICL soon. After all, we are also playing cricket.”

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