Indian Cricket League (ICL) signed more cricketers - Kapil Dev.

Indian Cricket League (ICL) on Thursday announced the signing of 18 more players, including six overseas cricketers, announced by its Chairman Kapil Dev. The ICL - Indian Cricket League is a brainchild of the Subhash Chandra-owned Essel Group.

After several weeks inactivity, the ICL came out with its second list of players, which included four from New Zealand - Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Nathan Astle and Hamish Marshal - alongwith England's Darren Maddy and Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.

Kapil Dev said that those talented, experienced cricketers would definitely be a great source of learning for the youngsters who will play with them. Under their guidance, the Indian Cricket League players will develop skills comparable to the best of international cricketing talent.

Players who were signed earlier with ICL includes Brian Lara and former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq.

Australian Captain Ricky Ponting praised Mahendra Dhoni and Sreesanth

Australian captain Ricky Ponting and his deputy Adam Gilchrist on Thursday praised Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for his leadership qualities and pacer S Sreesanth for his on-field aggression.

Ricky Ponting said that leading a team to such a triumph (in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championships) just after taking over as captain is a great achievement. Ponting said at a press meet ahead of the September 29 one-day international against India in India.

Ponting said that Mahendra Dhoni has done a pretty good job for the indian team. The captain is as good as the team.