Afridi calls for inclusion of Pakistanis in IPL

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Friday called for the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL). PHOTO: AFP/FILE

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Friday called for the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Speaking to the Press Trust of India, Afridi said that Pakistani players had no  problems with playing in India as they had just played a match in the country.

“It is high time Pakistani cricketers also get a place in the IPL. For three seasons, including the current one, we haven’t been a part of the IPL,” said the Pakistan captain.

Pakistan’s players featured in the inaugural version of the IPL, but were later  not picked by any of the franchises following the Mumbai attacks in 2008 and are also not part of the current edition of the tournament.

Afridi said the inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL was an opportunity for both countries to improve relations. He said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had responded positively to the invitation from Indian Prime Minister Manmoham Singh and now the IPL could help ease tensions between the two countries.

“We should play more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce the unwanted media hype surrounded with Indo-Pak matches,” skipper added.

The fourth edition of the IPL began today (Friday) in Chennai with the two new teams added to the tournament.