Gavaskar and Binny's sons join ICL

The Indian Cricket League (ICL) announced its two latest signings on Tuesday, sons of former India players - Rohan Gavaskar, the former Bengal captain and India international, and Stuart Binny, the Karnataka allrounder.

Gavaskar has played in 11 one-day internationals while Binny has played for Karnataka in domestic competitions.

"This was an opportunity to play with and against international cricketers," Gavaskar told Cricinfo. "I don't think I would have got that opportunity by being with the BCCI - they are looking at younger players, those in the Under-19s and the 20-22 age-bracket. They are looking to build a team for the next World Cup."

He didn't specify the package he would be getting but said he was satisfied with the ICL's offer. "Everyone's looking to improve their financial package. I wouldn't have joined the ICL for free; I am happy with what I am getting."

His decision to join is intriguing given that his father is a key member of the Indian board's non-official think-tank. "I did speak to him and he told me the pro's and cons, but the final decision and the responsibility of that decision is mine", Gavaskar junior said. "When I went to Bengal, at the age of 19, he told me the pros and cons of shifting base."

Gavaskar is on a three-year contract with the ICL and will join the rest of its recruits after the conditioning camp in Chennai.

Binny, whose father Roger was one of the members of India's World Cup-winning side, has already joined the camp in Chennai, Bharat Reddy, the ICL's Talent Hunt Executive, told PTI.