Butcher denies ICL link

Mark Butcher has wholeheartedly denied a report linking him with the Indian Cricket League (ICL). Butcher, Surrey's captain and a former England player, said he was "disconcerted" when he heard of the story which claimed he was approached to captain a side in a 20-overs tournament in October.

Butcher said in a statement: "When I was told of the claims made in The Times, I was completely surprised and slightly disconcerted to see my name attached to something that I knew nothing about. I have not received any kind of approach from the ICL.

"If I was to have received an invitation to play in the ICL, my first action would be to alert Surrey and discuss possible outcomes with them."

Surrey also confirmed that Mark Ramprakash - another of their players who may generate some interest from the ICL organisers - had not received an approach either.