Maddy played three Tests and eight ODIs between 1998-2000

The England and Wales Cricket Board is asking counties to persuade players not to join the ICL but Maddy is one of four players to have signed up.

Asked if the ICL made him worry about his future he said: "There were points.

"But I've had support from Warwickshire and the PCA [Professional Cricketers Association] that put my mind at rest."

As it grows and people see the positive side of the ICL, a lot more players from England will sign up Darren Maddy

Paul Nixon, Vikram Solanki and Chris Read are the other recent England players to have signed contracts worth a reported �75,000 for six weeks of action.

The Indian cricket board has refused to recognise the ICL, threatened to ban players from official competitions and denied the ICL access to major venues.

"When you see the youth in the squads it's a real shame for these guys because they've got long careers ahead of them and I'd hate to think this will be detrimental to their development," Maddy told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"For that reason alone we need to make the ICL work and for it to be accepted worldwide.

"It's a new thing and people are always sceptical. When they see what it's going to do for the game of cricket their opinions will change.

"It's an exciting competition and as it grows and people see the positive side of the ICL, a lot more players from England will sign up.

606: DEBATE Given that neither of the two competitions will be played at the same time I suspect that both will attract large TV audience figures bhamgills

Maddy returned to the international fold to play in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa and scored 50 against New Zealand.

He will compete for the Calcutta Tigers when the inaugural ICL season begins late in November.

"It's not only an opportunity to develop my game but also young players from other countries," he added.

"My aim is to enjoy the experience and if I can go home a better cricketer as well I'll be really happy."

The rival Indian Premier League, which is officially sanctioned, has attracted the majority of Australia's star names, plus Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Dhoni and Muttiah Muralitharan.

Its first season is to begin in April.