Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said he is hopeful that the Pakistan Cricket Board will lift the ban imposed on Indian Cricket League-contracted players soon.

The so-called Lahore Badshahs, led by Inzamam, won the second edition of the end-of-year ICL event on Sunday in Ahmedabad. With players such as opener Imran Nazir, fast bowlers Mohammad Sami and Shahid Nazir and batsman Mohammed Yousuf, Pakistan could have more players to choose from if it changed its current stance.

The ruling International Cricket Council has not actually enforced bans on players, fearing the legal implications, and has instead left the decision to individual national boards. New PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt has had talks with Inzamam about the issue.

“I have got positive vibes and response from the PCB about granting recognition to the ICL and I am hopeful the bans on the ICL players would be lifted soon,” Inzamam was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.

“I think it is also time the ICC play its role and take steps to safeguard the players rights, who are signed up for the ICL.

“The ICL is promoting cricket and providing livelihoods to many players and also giving chances to young Indian cricketers. So it is time the ICC and Indian board recognise it to make the tournament official.”

PTI also said another former Pakistan cricketer, Javed Miandad, has suggested a friendly match to be staged between them Pakistan and the Badshahs.