AS NEW Twenty20 mentor John Buchanan prepares to juggle egos in the Indian Premier League, he warned the International Cricket Council to handle superpower India with care.
Buchanan, signed to coach Kolkata, has urged the ICC to stand up to the Board for Control of Cricket in India and ensure all nations benefit from Twenty20's rich harvest.
"India is a powerhouse in terms of revenue and the new format. But if cricket is to develop, then all countries - including India - need to deliver in the best way," said Buchanan, who finished as national coach following Australia's 2007 World Cup triumph.
"The ICC has to make sure this happens. It has a critical, primary role going forward.
"The ICC needs to protect not only older players, but also careers of younger players."
Buchanan said the ICC must sanction the unauthorised Indian Cricket League, despite opposition from both the BCCI and the IPL.
"I think it will all be resolved in the next 12 months as the ICC works with other countries," he said.
Buchanan is concerned by the imminent exit of first-class stalwarts Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie to the ICL.
"It's unfortunate they have to choose because the rebel ICL is the so-called banned league. I don't think that is good for the game in terms of keeping players playing," Buchanan said.
"I think everyone should come back to the fold and that is why the ICC will play an incredibly important role."
Buchanan, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and $734,000-man David Hussey will align with Indian rivals Sourav Ganguly, Ishant Sharma and Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar at Kolkata.
Buchanan expects to win a tug-of-war with English county side Nottinghamshire over Hussey's services, but said Ponting's immediate priority should be touring Pakistan with Australia.
"My view has always been to go, as I feel that is an important step against terrorism," Buchanan said.
GIFTED batsman Cosgrove has been axed by South Australia for a second time.
A modest 340 runs at 26.15 and unsatisfactory physical condition cost Cosgrove his spot for SA's clash against Queensland, starting Friday at the Adelaide Oval.
Left-hander Cosgrove could be comforted by riches on offer in a rebel Indian Cricket League that has reportedly attracted SA teammates Matthew Elliott and Jason Gillespie.
Cosgrove, 23, now languishes in grade ranks just 18 months after making 74 during his one-day debut for Australia against Bangladesh.
"It's based on form, and obviously there's some fitness issues as well," state selector David Kelly said. "There is no getting away from the fact he needs to work on his fitness."
QUEENSLAND captain Jimmy Maher yesterday announced he would retire at the end of the season.
A teary Maher confirmed he would hang up his beloved maroons cap after the Bulls' Pura Cup clash against South Australia.
Maher, 34, has not ruled out playing in the Indian Twenty20 leagues.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23282387-2882,00.html
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