JOHANNESBURG, Oct 1: Players joining the Indian Cricket League (ICL) have been cautioned by Cricket South Africa (CSA) that it will not only ban them from playing for South Africa but will also keep them out of the domestic cricket.

“We view them as rebels,” Gerald Majola, the CSA chief executive, told the Beeld newspaper. “They have joined a breakaway organisation.”

However, Majola added that the players could return to South African cricket if they cancelled their agreements with the ICL, saying: “Once they have played even one game in the ICL tournament, it’s over and they will never be allowed to play in South Africa again.”

Former internationals Nicky Boje and Lance Klusener have signed with the ICL and there are rumours that Andrew Hall, who retired from international cricket recently and signed a three-year deal with Northamptonshire, could be also be joining the league.

CSA’s decision follows that of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the Indian board to ban players who joined the ICL.—Agencies