Sussex in talks over Mushtaq deal

Published March 2, 2008

LONDON, March 1: English county Sussex hope to resolve issue of their former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed’s decision to sign for rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

The ICL has not been recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). And the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has brought its stance in line with other national bodies by banning the ICL players from their domestic leagues.

Sussex are now working with the ECB and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) “in order to clarify the situation”.

Chief Executive Gus Mackay confirmed Sussex had received a letter from the PCB on Feb 7, confirming they had no objection to Mushtaq playing for Sussex in 2008.

However, the PCB indicated its decision to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) could be affected if a player participated in an unauthorised event.

The ECB said they are determined to disassociate and distance themselves from any promoter, agent or individual involved in such events.

Mushtaq has taken 459 first-class wickets in 79 matches for Sussex, helping them to three County Championship titles.—Agencies