Melbourne, Feb 27 Former Australian coach John Buchanan has advised the International Cricket Council to stand up to the BCCI and recognise its rebel venture Indian Cricket League so that the game and players in all nations benefit from the Twenty20 competitions.

Buchanan, who has signed up to coach Kolkata franchise of the Indian Premier League, said it was important to retain the older as well as the young talents, many of whom were also preferring to play in the ICL, another Indian T20 league which is being opposed by the national boards.

"It's unfortunate they have to choose because the rebel ICL is the so-called banned league. I don't think that is good for the game in terms of keeping players playing," Buchanan said.

"I think everyone should come back to the fold and that is why the ICC will play an incredibly important role," he said as Australian stalwarts Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie recently decided to join the ICL.

Buchanan said it was important that game also developed alongwith the money power in the T20 leagues.

"India is a powerhouse in terms of revenue and the new format. But if cricket is to develop, then all countries - including India - need to deliver in the best way.

"The ICC has to make sure this happens. It has a critical, primary role going forward. The ICC needs to protect not only older players, but also careers of younger players," he was quoted as saying by the 'Herald Sun'. (Agencies)