Dinesh Mongia was one of the most high-profile players in the ICL

The unsanctioned Indian Cricket League has vowed to carry on and return stronger than ever despite leading players quitting the competition.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has lifted bans on 79 players who were involved in the ICL.

But Roland Landers, a spokesman for the competition's promoters, said: "We have 40-50 players on our roster. We'll get more as and when required.

"Wait and watch, we'll be back with another event."

The ICL was established two years ago despite opposition from the BCCI and has so far been unable to gain recognition for the game's world governing body, the International Cricket Council.

The BCCI's response was to set up the Indian Premier League, which has proved to be far more successful, attracting some of the biggest names in world cricket.

Players who joined the ICL were originally given life bans by the BCCI but the 79 players are now free to play domestic cricket with immediate effect, although they will have to wait a year before being eligible for international selection.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the ICL

Despite their defection and the recent loss of Pakistan stars Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq and Naved-ul-Hasan and five Sri Lankans, including former national team captain Marvan Atapattu, Landers said they were optimistic about the future of the ICL.

"It's not shutting down, it will continue. Our plans for a tournament later this year are on track.

"Going against the grain and the system, there have been hurdles. But we've come back stronger every time," he added.

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