LAHORE – Shahid Afridi has pleaded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India to include cricketers from Pakistan in the Indian Premier League.
“It is high time that Pakistani cricketers should also get a place in IPL. For three seasons including the current one, we haven’t been a part of the IPL. We have no problems playing in India as we have just played a World Cup semi-final there. We are deeply hurt that they are treating us like untouchables,” Afridi was quoted as saying.
Afridi said the people in Pakistan would love to see their players in the high-profile league and it would also be a great platform for young players to make their mark. “I am not saying that I want to play IPL but it could be a great platform for youngsters. They could make a mark for themselves.”
Pakistan players were included in the inaugural IPL but were not allowed to participate in the 2009 edition in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks. In 2009, Pakistan players were allowed to apply for the auction but none of the teams showed any interest in them.
Afridi also said that frequent games between the two nations and participation of players in the IPL will be a boost to the relationships between the countries. “Our PM Yusuf Raza Gilani responded in positive on that invitation. Now IPL can be a platform to further ease the tension,” he said.
“We should play more and more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce the unwanted media hype surrounded with Indo-Pak matches,” he said.
