Karachi, Oct 6 : Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairperson Nasim Ashraf has justified the board’s u-turn on the strict stance over the Indian Cricket League (ICL) saying that he never said the Board would ban Pakistani players just for signing a contract with the rebel league.

Ashraf claimed that he had instead said the PCB would ban a player if he “plays” in the ICL.

“Our stance over the ICL is the same. Any of our cricketer who plays in the ICL will be banned,” The News quoted him, as saying.

His statement assumes significance as in August, Ashraf had issued stern warnings to possible ICL recruits saying that any player opting for the league would never play for Pakistan.

Former skipper Inzamam-ul Haq, along with some other players, signed a contract with the ICL, overlooking repeated warnings from the PCB. But he has been included in the national team for the ingoing series against South Africa.

Reacting to this, Ashraf pointed out that Inzamam was eligible to play for Pakistan, as he is yet to play in the ICL. (ANI)