Kapil Dev Wants To Bury The Differences With BCCI

Kapil Dev who has been so vocal against the BCCI over the last few years, has decided to bury his differences and return to the fold. The legendary allrounder who was the face of the rebel cricket league ICL was the only ex-player left who still had ties with the Essel Group owned tournament. This association meant that the BCCI had chosen to keep him out of the list of all the beneficiaries announced during the IPL.

Speaking to the reporters and to the BCCI website after his meeting with the board, he said "The BCCI is like a parent and we are like its children. I have contributed to the welfare of cricket and cricketers during my earlier association and aim to do so even now. There can be misunderstandings at times, but as part of Indian cricket, I've always had respect for the organization more than the individuals that form it. I love my cricket board and I'm so happy to be back here. I'm proud to be part of one of the biggest sporting organizations in the world."

He had kind words to say about the BCCI chief N Srinivasan too. " He is a wonderful administrator and has shown his worth. I was so delighted to hear from him. He's a man with endless passion for Indian cricket and that's what I admire the most about him. There are people who are only interested in name and fame, but few work sincerely for 25 to 30 years for the betterment of the game."

In April 2008 the BCCI announced an amnesty scheme for all involved with the ICL, with a May 31 deadline to cut off all ties with the rebel league. On June 2 it announced an amnesty for 79 players, 11 former players and 11 officials. Kapil Dev however who still maintained ties with the defunct tournament was not one of them. This meant that he had lost on the purse of 1.5 crore given as a one time benefit by the BCCI during the last IPL. Now with the issues getting resolved, Dev can hope to get the benefit, his pension and a position in the administration of the game in the country.