Lorgat confident of finding a slot for Indian Premier League

Dubai: Haroon Lorgat, the new International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive hinted the likelihood of creating a permanent slot for India's Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament in world cricket calendar.

"We need to be cognisant of the fact that IPL exists and what it means to domestic and international cricket. We can find some solutions to that as it ultimately enhances the game. It is a matter that has to be debated and there is no reason why we shouldn't look at how we can do that," said Lorgat However, Lorgat pointed out that Test cricket should still remain at the top despite the lucrative limited over matches.

Cricket Australia has presented a proposal to help keep Test matches as the pinnacle of cricket. In fact, they have even suggested creating a ranking table which will lead to a championship match between the top two Test teams.

"The proposal has its merit and will be explored further. Even the international players' union (FICA)'s survey among the players has concluded that Test cricket should be at the top. It is very encouraging to see the kind of proposals that is being talked about to lift the status of Test cricket." Lorgat refused to be drawn into the controversy regarding the Indian Cricket League (ICL) players being banned from playing in the oncoming Champions League. "I'd like to reserve my comments on that because it may well veer into the legal frame and hence would not like to comment anything on ICL."

When asked about Clive Lloyd's appointment as the chairman of ICC cricket committee, Lorgat said: "Lloyd is a very eminent former Test player of international repute. I am sure he will provide a good direction for the cricket committee."