Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf’s presence as a guest for the final of the Indian Premier League-V has raised hopes for the participation of his country’s cricketers in world cricket’s most lucrative league from 2013. Ashraf, who was seated beside IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla, watched the final against Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders here. A top official in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told IANS that Ashraf is expected to have a one-on-one meeting with board president N. Srinivasan Monday to decide on the participation of Pakistani players in the IPL. Ashraf, who is expected to address the press, said before leaving Pakistan he was hopeful of fruitful talks with the Indian cricket authorities. ‘Their invitation (to IPL final) is a strong clue that both countries are moving towards having good relations. This is rare. In the past, no such invitation was extended. So I am hopeful that I will have a good meeting with the BCCI officials,’ Ashraf told reporters in Pakistan. Pakistani players took part in the first edition of the IPL, when Sohail Tanveer emerged as the top wicket taker and played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals winning the title.
