In another major setback to the Pakistani players, they now won’t be able to play in the upcoming CSA and UAE T20 leagues as well, because the team owners, who are mostly the ones who have a team in the IPL, are not keen on having their services.
According to a report in InsideSport, the IPL team owners fear retaliation from the Indian public and so they don’t want any Pakistani players’ involvement in the league. And if it happens, then the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, who are some of the best players in modern-day cricket, will sit out.
“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 the news portal.
“A lot is at stake for the team as huge investment is involved. No one wants to hurt gthe 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,” the franchise official said.
