SA's ICL players may return to official fold

Johannesburg:

Taking a cue from Indian Cricket Board's amnesty offer to players aligned with Indian Cricket League, Cricket South Africa may also take their 'rebel' players back into the official fold.

SA Cricket Players' Association CEO Tony Irish is confident that the CSA executive which is scheduled to decide on the issue on Wednesday at a general meeting will re-instate the ICL players to official cricket next season.

"Even before the BCCI made their decision we had placed the inclusion of the ICL players back into South African domestic cricket on the agenda of the meeting next Wednesday. I am confident of a positive outcome, especially in light of the BCCI's decision," Irish was quoted as saying by 'Cape Times'.

Seven South Africans -- Dale Benkenstein, Justin Kemp, Nicky Boje, Johan van der Wath, Nantie Hayward, Lance Klusener and Andrew Hall -- are banned to play domestic and international cricket for them being associating with the ICL.

While only 31-year-old Kemp has a realistic chance of representing the Proteas again, Irish believes CSA will see the value of the others returning to domestic cricket.

"The ICL players are some of the most experienced players in South African cricket. Their experience will be invaluable to franchise teams around the country. Their input can only be of benefit to any young South African cricketer coming through the ranks," Irish said.