Holliake and Hicks have joined the ranks of American League too. It remains to be seen if their participation is taken in the fitness of things. At the moment it is sucked with more than a pinch of salt by ECB. ECB believes that the APL is unauthorized and is running against the stipulations of ICC. ECB has always been a traditional body and it has shirked aside any plans to accept APL within its umbrella.

To give APL a little sanity, Richie Richardson is being hired as the chief recruiter. At the same time, Sir Richard Hadlee is being sought for the post of Executive Consultant. While these two names may bring much-desired credibility to the October show, it remains to be seen how far it can attract the masses. America does not know a great deal about cricket and only the South Asian contingent follows the game.

Let’s hope that cricket wins and that the county players get to prove their mettle as well.

American premier league is hitting off in October 2009. It is the brainchild of Jay Mir, CEO of American Sports And Entertainment Group. Inc. Already, there is a lot of flutter regarding it and the media has been giving it kind attention. It is all in the fitness of things. The event is unfurling on the heels of T20 mania. IPL is doing exceedingly well in times that the column is being written.

For those who thought that IPL drew the entire craze in its inaugural edition owing to Indian venues, its time to rethink, the South African grounds are running to packed houses. This is why the American edition, to be held at Staten Island, NY, is expected to be a big affair too.

Richard Hadlee, former legend and among the very few to be knighted has already confirmed to being the executive consultant. He was besought for the post of board member and it is believed that his boarding the APL bus would provide the event a lot of credibility. APL requires the stamp of experts as the event is surely drawing a lot of ICC wrath. This is chiefly because the event stars many cricketers of the ICL (rebel league).

Along with Richard Hadlee, another New Zealand recruits include Nathan Astle and Chris Harris. Adam Parore might join soon too. Richie Richardson is another past celebrity who is adding a lot of flesh to the League. He will be chief recruiter as well as the coach of Premium West Indies.