DUBAI, UAE (Reuters) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected an application from the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) seeking approval for their Twenty20 competition.

“The board considered that approval was not appropriate,” ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgan told reporters yesterday.

Many countries ban ICL players from official cricket under pressure from the influential Indian board which runs the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament.

The ICC said it would still be up to individual boards to decide what sanctions to impose on players who took part in the ICL.

The ICL has said it would take legal action if it was not accorded official recognition. ICC officials declined to comment on any possible legal challenges.