New Delhi, (Hindustan Times): Kapil Dev and the Indian cricket board appear to be inching close to ending their five-year estrangement. The World Cup winning skipper, who has been steadfast in refusing to bow to BCCI's demand that he apply to it for amnesty, met the BCCI president N Srinivasan recently to break the ice.

The relationship between Kapil and the board hit a low after the all-rounder joined the rebel Indian Cricket League in 2007. While the ICL eventually wound up and many players bowed to BCCI's demand that they seek amnesty to be re-admitted to its fold, Kapil was firm that he had done nothing wrong.

While the BCCI distanced itself from him, Kapil did not apply for amnesty. The issue was highlighted during the last IPL season when former players were chosen for a one-time payment out of the league's profits.

Kapil, in a column in HT, praised the BCCI for making the payments to former greats who played when there wasn't much money in the game, but urged it to be a benevolent administrator.

The BCCI working committee meeting on Monday gave amnesty to former India keeper Kiran More, who had applied for it. It also reportedly discussed ways to bring Kapil back into the fold but at the same time ensuring that both the stalwart's image was not hurt and the integrity of BCCI's position as the administrator was protected.

IPL for Pak players?

The Working Committee did not discuss whether Pakistan players will be allowed to play in the IPL. However, with the resumption of ties, chances are they may be invited.