If reports are to be believed. The IPL franchise owners who have teams in the upcoming UAE T20 League and South Africa T20 League, reportedly do not want the services of Pakistani players. This could prevent the Pakistani stars from participating in these lucrative competitions. Moreover, both of the tournaments commence from January next year.
The problem stems from the 26 November 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. This event turned Pakistani cricketers into outcasts for any Indian cricket-related activity. Though there were many Pakistani players in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008, the anger of the Indian people after it was revealed that the attack was carried out by terrorists from Pakistan. This led to the IPL, cutting ties with Pakistani players.
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Pakistan’s cribbing about IPL continues
India and Pakistan have only faced off in ICC and ACC competitions since their last bilateral series. The two nations last clashed in 2012–13. The IPL pays out a lot of money and draws players from all around the world. The Pakistani players and the board have been loud about not being allowed to participate.
But they might face more setbacks as InsideSport reported that Pakistani players might not be able to play in the upcoming CSA and UAE T20 leagues as well. The team owners, the majority of whom also own teams in the IPL, are not keen on having their services. The IPL club owners reportedly do not want any Pakistani players to compete in the tournament because they are concerned about backlash from the Indian populace. The top T20 players in the world, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, might not be included in either league as a result.
“We don’t want Pakistani players. First, it is hard to negotiate with the board for the NOCs. Then comes the backlash in India. I don’t think any Indian fans will be happy if Pakistani players play for us,”
A FRANCHISE OFFICIAL WITH TEAMS IN BOTH THE UAE AND SOUTH AFRICAN LEAGUES TOLD INSIDESPORT.
“A lot is at stake for the team as a huge investment is involved. No one wants to hurt the sentiments of the fans back home. We have decided not to chase any player. They have some of the best players in the shortest format of the game, but it’s not in our best interest,”
HE ADDED.
However, the Indian franchises have asked the BCCI to at least permit, Indian players. The players who are not under contract to participate in international T20 tournaments.
