Afridi doesn't rule out playing in IPL again

Karachi:

He felt humiliated when Pakistani cricketers were snubbed by the Indian Premier League franchisees this year but all-rounder Shahid Afridi has not ruled out the possibility of playing in the lucrative Twenty20 league next year.

Afridi had reacted angrily when no Pakistani player was bid for at the IPL players auction despite their names being included in the list.

He described the cold shoulder given to Pakistani players as an insult and vowed never to play in the IPL again.

But Afridi on Sunday said he does not rule out the possibility of playing in the IPL fourth season.

"It all depends on what is the policy of our board and government but at the same time it is also important that we are given proper respect by the IPL people and teams," he said.

"If they invite us with respect I would consider playing in the IPL but for the moment I have not given it a thought," he added.

His comments came after he was asked whether the signing of uncapped fast bowler Muhammad Irfan by the Kolkata Knight Riders for the fourth edition of the IPL was a good omen for other Pakistani players as well.

"I am happy for Irfan because he is a promising player and deserves a break but as far as the rest of the players are concerned we will have to wait for the policy guidelines of our board and government on the IPL," he said.

Pakistani players featured in the first edition of the IPL but thereafter the political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries put a stop to this.

The Kolkata Knight Riders have made it clear that their signing of a MoU with Irfan is subject to the final policy of the authorities on whether Pakistani players can be allowed to play in the IPL fourth season.