NEW DELHI, Dec 1: A glitzy ceremony on Friday marked the start of India’s breakaway Twenty20 cricket league in the northern town of Panchkula.

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) has been dubbed a rebel league as it was not sanctioned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The six-team ICL, promoted by a TV company, offers prize money of US$3.85 million.

The inaugural match of the league on Friday featured Delhi Jets, captained by former Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu, and Chanidgarh Lions, which is being led by ex-New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns.

Ex-West Indies captain Brian Lara and former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq are the biggest stars featuring in the tournament for which several young Indian players have signed up.—AP