KARACHI, Nov 18: Former Pakistan great Wasim Akram on Tuesday stressed private cricket leagues must get recognition from the game’s governing body before being launched to avoid clashes with international sides.

“All the private leagues must get recognition from the ICC or from respective boards before they start, otherwise more and more private leagues could affect international cricket,” Wasim said.

“These private leagues can offer more money than players get at the international level and that would harm the game at international level, so there must be steps to stop that.”

Wasim was reacting to complaints by some Pakistani players banned by the PCB for joining the unrecognised ICL.

Wasim said some Pakistani players had asked him to help them get re-instated to play for the national side.“Some of the players did meet me and asked for help but I cannot do anything until and unless the ICL gets recognition,” said Wasim.

The ICL is striving for recognition, but Wasim denied reports he said would soon be achieved.

“My comments on the ICL were taken out of context and I apologise if those comments caused any harm or distress to anyone. I never back any unrecognised league,” stated Wasim.

On India’s recent success against Australia, Wasim said a lot of credit for it goes to Mahendra Singh Dhoni. “Dhoni has changed the face of Indian cricket. He leads from the front, he has charisma. You can’t ask for anything more,” he said.—Agencies