PAKISTANI PLAYERS TO BE INCLUDED IN IPL"S NEXT EDITION

Posted: May 29, 2012

The Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Ijaz Butt, has revealed that he has been assured by the Indian Premier League chief, Rajiv Shukla, about the inclusion of Pakistanis players in the next season of the most lucrative T20 league in the world. Butt disclosed the latest development to his successor, Zaka Ashraf, after his return from India on Thursday.

The ex-PCB chief told Daily Dawn that during his visit to their neighboring country, he met Shukla and the former BCCI"s president, Sharad Pawar, with the consent of current PCB chairman. He further added that his stay has turned out to be fruitful in terms of negotiating the resumption of the cricket-related activities between the two nations.

"In New Delhi, Rajiv Shukla has assured me that Pakistani players will be allowed to play in the next IPL edition," Ijaz said.

"I informed Zaka Ashraf about the entire situation and now the chairman will take his own decision according to the situation," added the former PCB chief.

Earlier, the BCCI had already invited Pakistan"s top domestic team, Sialkot Stallions, to participate in this year"s Champions LeagueT20. According to the 74-year-old former chief, the initiative by the BCCI is a clear sign that they are ready to patch up relationships with their counterparts.

Responding to Butt"s efforts for bringing the two boards closer, PCB has appreciated the ex-chief"s inventiveness and urged him to further discuss the possibility of a resumption of bilateral series.

After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, this is the first time BCCI have shown eagerness to discuss cricketing issues with the PCB � further invited Ashraf to attend the final match of the IPL between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.

The PCB chief has welcomed the offer, claiming that things are finally moving in the right directions. "Things have been moving in the right direction in recent times and the recent thaw will pave the way for resumption of bilateral ties," said Ashraf.

The PCB chief added that he will also make an effort to invite India for a potential home series and if that did not materialize, they are more than willing to stage the series at a neutral venue.

"The BCCI may also host Pakistan but whatever decision is taken it will be in best interest of Pakistan cricket," said Ashraf.

SEE SOME PAK PLAYERS IN IPL