Pak players' IPL participation still in doubt

Karachi:

Pakistani players' participation in the next Indian Premier League remains doubtful as IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has told the PCB that the league cannot obtain Indian Foreign Office's NOC for them.

According to the 'Dawn' newspaper, Modi has told PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt that it was the responsibility of the Pakistani Board to seek NOCs from the Indian Foreign Office for players to take part in the lucrative league next year in March-April.

The report said Modi has told Butt that if Pakistani players wanted to take part in the IPL, their board would have to submit all the required NOCs including those from the PCB and the governments of India and Pakistan.

"This is an unusually tough condition set by Modi and diminishes the chances of Pakistani players taking part in the IPL," the newspaper said.

The report said Modi has sent an email to Butt outlining his condition.

"...in view of Modi's condition Butt is now using all his influence to convince the Pakistan foreign ministry to talk to their Indian counterparts so that clearance can be sought from the Indian government for the IPL," one source said.

The PCB has already issued an NOC to Abdul Razzaq as he has got a contract offer from Kolkata Knight Riders while Umar Gul is also next in line.