We can't influence Indian High Commission for visas: PCB

Karachi:

Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday made it clear that it had done everything under its power to get the visas for its cricketers to play in the IPL next year but could not have influenced the Indian High Commission, the authority to decide on the matter.

Still entertaining hope that Pakistani cricketers would be able to play in the lucrative Twenty20 event next year, Butt said PCB had submitted all the NOCs and clearance documents asked for by the IPL.

"We submitted all clearance documents from our government ministries. We can do nothing more the ball is now in the court of the IPL," he said.

"We can't influence Indian High Commission. I think IPL should do something to ensure the Indian High Commission issues visas to our players for IPL next year," he added.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has ruled out participation of Pakistani players in the IPL in March-April next year stating that the PCB was unable to secure visas for their cricketers by the deadline of December 7.

Butt said he was very keen to see Pakistani cricketers play in the IPL next year since they missed out this year.

"We will do our best to see something positive happens but we had applied for the visas but they were not issued. We can't do anything more," he stated.

IPL had asked the PCB to submit NOCs and government clearance for five players -- Misbah-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir and Umar Gul.