The Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) is expected to hold its Governing Council meeting on Thursday ahead of the player draft to be held the next day.
Meanwhile, Tuesday was a day of rumours. There were whispers that India star Suresh Raina and IPL sensation Rahul Tripathi had pulled out of the draft.
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) was quick with its denial. A leading TNCA source said, “Till now, no one has withdrawn. Nobody has written to us saying he is not available for the draft. We do not expect withdrawals.”
The TNCA, in its reply to a letter from BCCI, has stated its position about all the cricketers for the TNPL, both outstation and home cricketers, being registered players of the various clubs of Tamil Nadu.
The State Association, till Tuesday night, was yet to receive BCCI’s response. Under the circumstances, the expected Governing Council meeting, to be headed by P.S. Raman on Thursday, assumes significance.
Many cricketers from outside the State are keen to play.
Talking to The Hindu , hard-hitting Baroda all-rounder Yusuf Pathan said, “I heard there were some issues. I hope everything is sorted out. I am keen to play in the TNPL.”
All eyes are on how the Board reacts to TNCA’s reply. It has, in the past, been against outstation players taking part in T20 competitions conducted by State Associations. Will it accept TNCA’s reasoning?
The participation of outstation players in the TNPL hinges on what directives the BCCI sends to the TNCA and the other State Associations on the issue. Simply put, no player will be willing to defy the Board.
With the player draft set for Friday, time is running out.
