Mushy: IPL And ICL Can Co-Exist

Ahmed - the voice of reason.

Mushtaq Ahmed has called on the cricket authorities in India to work together to make the most of the Twenty20 phenomenon.

The former Pakistan Test bowler who announced his retirement from county cricket last week is keen to see the Indian Premier League and Indian Cricket League work in harmony.

The 38-year-old Mushtaq, who spent six years with Sussex where he won three County Championships, called a day on his career in England because of a persistent knee injury.

Mushtaq said: "Not only can the IPL and the ICL co-exist but that the winners of each tournament should also have the opportunity to play each other, perhaps in a future edition of the Champions League for domestic clubs.

"Free and open competition can only strengthen domestic cricket. The ICC and the BCCI should embrace the ICL not ostracise it," Mushtaq added on www.pakpassion.net.

Mushtaq has confirmed he has a contract for two more years with the ICL and is also considering playing limited-overs domestic cricket in Pakistan.

He also confirmed he was keen to take up a coaching role, either in the UK or Pakistan.

"I feel the experience gained playing over many years and in all sorts of conditions could be invaluable and an asset in a coaching role," he added.