Indian Premier League snaps up top pair
October 22, 2007 – 3:24 amThe Indian Premier League has secured the services of South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock and Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar.
The Twenty20 format league, which is due to get underway in April, was set up by the India Cricket Board to counter the rebel Indian Cricket League that is to feature West Indian legend Brian Lara.
And, with the backing of the Australian, England, South African and Pakistan boards, the IPL has attracted some top names from the world of cricket.
In addition to Pollock and Shoaib, international skippers Graeme Smith, Mahela Jayawardene and Daniel Vettori are also among 25 foreign stars to sign up.
The debut IPL season will start with eight teams, while organisers hope to double the field by 2010.