Shukla backs out of ICL

Laxmi Shukla, the Bengal allrounder, has confirmed he will not be signing up with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and will remain with his state side.

"I think I would have been out of place had I joined the ICL," Shukla told the Hindustan Times. "I belong to Bengal and this sense of belonging would have been missing had I joined the ICL. I have informed Kiran More of my decision."

Two days ago, the Kolkata-based Anandabazar Patrika had reported that Shukla was rethinking joining the ICL after the Indian board announced substantial hikes in the domestic pay packets. The paper said players close to Shukla had told him that backing out of the ICL now would undermine his credibility.

But Shukla said he was too attached to Bengal to leave. "I feel a lot better now, having taken this decision. There was a lot of money at stake but what I earn by playing for Bengal is decent enough."