ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Four West Indies cricketers have been given permission to play in the inaugural Masters Champions League (MCL) T20 scheduled to start tomorrow in the United Arab Emirates.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced yesterday that so far No Objection Certificates (NOCs) have been granted to Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tino Best, Fidel Edwards and Krishmar Santokie.

All four players have written to the WICB indicating that they have retired.

The MCL is an approved tournament of the International Cricket Council for players who have retired from international cricket.

However, the players are still eligible to compete for their respective franchises in their member countries, regional tournaments and other worldwide leagues.

The exception is Barbadian Edwards, who is a Kolpak player, having opted to play for Hampshire in the UK after giving up his right to play for his member country.

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Adam Gilchrist, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis and Andrew Symonds are also among stars to feature in the MCL.

The MCL, which will feature six franchises, is set to run from tomorrow to Saturday, February 13, in the United Arab Emirates.

MCL T20 will showcase 18 matches, including the semi-finals and the final at the Dubai International Stadium.