18 MORE CRICKETERS JOINED IN THE INDIAN CRICKET LEAGUE.

Unfazed by BCCI's ambitious and cash-rich twenty20 tournaments, the rebel Indian Cricket League announced the signing of 18 more players, including six overseas cricketers.

After lying low for several weeks, the ICL came out with its second list of players, which included four from New Zealand -- Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Nathan Astle, Hamish Marshal, while England's Darren Maddy and Pakistan all rounder Azhar Mahmood.

Kapil Dev, Chairman of the Executive Board for the ICL said, "we are extremely pleased to welcome these players to the ICL family. These talented experienced cricketers will definitely be a great source of learning for the youngsters who will play with them. Under their guidance, the Indian Cricket League players will develop skills comparable to the best of international cricketing talent."

The ICL, a brainchild of the Subhash Chandra-owned Essel Group, has earlier signed over 60 cricketers with batting great Brian Lara and former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq in its ranks.

"These signings are in line with our objective of providing the best platform for young cricketers from all corners of India to play alongside the superstars of international cricket, learn the tricks of the trade from them and gain confidence to excel."