THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has failed to broker a deal between the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Indian board has refused to recognise the Twenty20 tournament which rivals the Indian Premier League (IPL).

ICC president David Morgan met representatives of the two parties in Johannesburg yesterday.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to come to a successful conclusion in our discussions,” said Morgan.

“The ICL’s application for approval as unofficial cricket will now go before the ICC board at its April meeting in Dubai.

“Given the discussions took place without prejudice, no further comment will be made at this time.”

The ICC recently introduced the new ‘unofficial cricket’ status for tournaments which are approved, but not run, by the home board.

Talks broke down last October after the ICC asked the parties to meet for the first time to discuss whether the event could receive official recognition.

The BCCI issues a life ban to any Indian player competing in the ICL, which is not sanctioned by the ICC. (BBC Sport)