Once cast aside, these players made a roaring return. But how did they turn their exile into a golden comeback?
The Indian Cricket League (ICL) aimed to transform Indian cricket before the glitz of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Founded in 2007 by Kapil Dev and backed by the Zee Group, the ICL sought to introduce franchise-based T20 cricket at a time when the BCCI was reluctant to embrace the format.
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Despite a promising beginning, the ICL lacked BCCI approval, prompting the board to launch its own league, the IPL, in 2008, which received significant financial support and official endorsement. Players from the ICL were suspended from all forms of cricket.
In 2010, the BCCI offered several former ICL players a second chance. Some made brief appearances in the Indian Premier League, while others gained prominence. Let us reflect on the 2010 IPL season and the unsung cricketers who returned from cricket exile.
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Shane Bond, New Zealand’s fiery pacer, was an invaluable asset to international cricket. He played for the Delhi Giants in the ICL before returning to professional cricket in 2009. He joined the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2010 and claimed 9 wickets in 8 matches.
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Rayudu’s journey is one of perseverance. The outstanding middle-order batter played for the Hyderabad Heroes in the ICL before returning to the regular domestic circuit in 2009. In 2010, the Mumbai Indians took a gamble on him that paid off. Rayudu became an IPL veteran, winning several titles with both the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings before retiring in 2023.
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Binny, another player from Hyderabad Heroes, made his IPL debut with the Mumbai Indians in 2010. However, his significant impact came with the Rajasthan Royals, where he played a crucial role in their campaigns. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset to the league until 2019.
In the ICL, the former PAK all-rounder played for the Lahore Badshahs. However, he found a route back into IPL after acquiring British citizenship. He joined the Punjab Kings in 2012 and subsequently played for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
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All-rounder Justin Kemp from South Africa played for the Hyderabad Heroes in the ICL. He was signed by the Chennai Super Kings in 2010; however, his IPL career lasted only 5 matches before he was released.
After playing for the Mumbai Champs in the ICL, van der Wath briefly returned in 2011 with Royal Challengers Bangalore. His stint in the IPL lasted only three matches, but he experienced a tournament that had previously turned him down.
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Rohan, the son of Sunil Gavaskar, played for the Royal Bengal Tigers in the ICL. In 2010, he attempted a comeback with the Kolkata Knight Riders but managed to play only 2 games before retiring.
Sodhi, a former captain of India’s U-19 World Cup team, played for the Chandigarh Lions in the ICL. He was signed by the Punjab Kings in 2010 but featured in only three matches before retiring from professional cricket.
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Sriram, a left-handed batter from Tamil Nadu, played for Ahmedabad Rockets in the ICL. He joined Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2010 and the Delhi Capitals in 2011.
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Nechim commenced his IPL career with the Mumbai Indians in 2010, having previously played for the Royal Bengal Tigers in the ICL. He subsequently joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore but found it challenging to establish himself in the league.
