Afridi laments IPL snub of Pakistan players
Thursday, 10 December 2009
KARACHI, Dec 9 (AFP): All-rounder Shahid Afridi said Wednesday he was disappointed that Pakistani players could not take part in the lucrative Indian Premier League, calling for more support from across the border.
The 29-year-old was reacting to news that Pakistani players will miss the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a delay in securing visas for the Twenty20 event in India.
"Pakistani players are the most sought-after in India and if they play there it would be the first step towards the revival of cricket between the two countries," Afridi told AFP.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi ruled out Pakistani players' participation in the league after the deadline for completing all formalities -- including obtaining visas for the March 12-April 25 event -- elapsed Monday. "We are world champions of T/20 cricket and the whole world wants to see us play, including the Indian fans who ask us about our participation," Afridi said.
The 29-year-old was reacting to news that Pakistani players will miss the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a delay in securing visas for the Twenty20 event in India.
"Pakistani players are the most sought-after in India and if they play there it would be the first step towards the revival of cricket between the two countries," Afridi told AFP.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi ruled out Pakistani players' participation in the league after the deadline for completing all formalities -- including obtaining visas for the March 12-April 25 event -- elapsed Monday. "We are world champions of T/20 cricket and the whole world wants to see us play, including the Indian fans who ask us about our participation," Afridi said.