Laxmi Ratan Shukla has made up his mind. He is not joining the ICL. This news was doing the rounds for a few days after the sensational unveiling of 44 Indian players in Mumbai on Monday, but on Friday came the confirmation from the man concerned.
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“I think I would have been out of place had I joined the ICL. 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,” the Bengal all-rounder with three ODI caps said.
“I feel a lot better now, having taken this decision. I am too emotionally attached to Bengal. It would not be possible to detach myself. There was a lot of money at stake but what I earn by playing for Bengal is decent enough.”
There was another concern about Shukla’s future as a Bengal cricketer because he is an employee of the Railways who have reportedly sought his services for the forthcoming season beginning with the Moin-ud Dowlah Gold Cup in September. The player said he has opted out of the Cup with a finger injury and sources in the Cricket Association of Bengal hinted they were trying to get him another job.