The BCCI has allowed English county clubs to select players from the ICL for the Champions League tournament.

A statement to this effect was made by BCCI president Sharad Pawar while speaking to an Indian daily.

"They (the English Cricket Board) have the freedom to decide on which players they choose to represent them.

"But then, we also have the freedom to take a decision on the issue later," he added.

This contrasts with what the BCCI's vice-president, Lalit Modi, who is also the Indian Premier League commissioner, previously indicated.

Modi earlier claimed that teams featuring players who have links to the ICL would be barred from the competition.

Fifteen of England's 18 county teams have players linked to the ICL.

Cricket Australia has been charged with the responsibility of drawing up rules for the Champions League tournament.