Sources close to some of the players said Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik had received offers.

Ex-Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq says he has been approached, while ex-West Indies great Brian Lara has signed.

"Those who are working for us will not be given permission," said Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf.

"The ICL is not recognised by the International Cricket Council or its member boards so there is no question of our players going to play there.

"We have clauses in our central contracts clearly outlining the board decides where the players can play."

India's cricket authorities have also refused to endorse the league.