Indian Cricket League (ICL) Chairman Kapil Dev on Tuesday admitted that BCCI's Indian Premier League (IPL) has overshadowed ICL in market blitz but ruled out joining forces with the IPL.

The former Indian skipper, however, feels that the ICL churned out fantastic matches and was ahead of the IPL if compared to the on-field action.

"In marketing, yes. In cricket, no," was his response when asked if the ICL has been overshadowed by the IPL.

"I must say and congratulate the IPL for such a great marketing team they have and let's give credit to the ICL for the great cricketing (ICL) matches we had. One should learn something from their (IPL's) marketing thing," he said.

Asked if the ICL is open to the idea of joining forces with IPL, he said "(We are) open to idea of their (IPL) joining us."

On the morale of the ICL team members post-IPL season, he said ," It is much more charged".

He reiterated that the ICL has nothing against the IPL nor is ICL fighting against the IPL and felt that even a deserving ICL player should be considered for Indian team.

"Nobody said to me what wrong we are doing. Nobody is giving me an answer. If (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni comes and plays in ICL, will he play for India or not ? If tomorrow Sachin (Tendulkar) plays in ICL, will he play for the country or not ? Will he deserve to play for the country or not", he asked.