LARA - File

JOHANNESBURG (CMC):

RETIRED WEST Indies batting star Brian Lara has once again thrown his support behind the controversial Indian Cricket League (ICL). The 38-year-old former West Indies captain was quoted by the Press Trust of India as saying that the ICL, which is yet to receive support from the world governing body for the sport, would help to improve the standards in India.

"I think the most important thing is that their motives are very clean and clear - they want to improve cricket and the standards of professional cricket in India and that's good enough for me," Lara said. "I think there's room for a lot of players in the market and I'll be there to support them."

Lara was the first big name to sign up for the ICL which is expected to host a month-long Twenty20 tournament later this year.

Since hi with the league, several other stars including the Pakistan duo of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammed Yousuf have also signed up.

South Africa's Nicky Boje and Lance Klusener and Australia's Damien Martyn have also put pen to paper for the ICL. Cricket authorities in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have already stated they will ban any players who join the ICL.

Lara was here for the International Cricket Council's Awards where he presented Ricky Ponting with the Captain of the Year award.