IPL snub: ex-Pak greats shocked at humiliation

Lahore, Jan, 21 (ANI): Following the treatment meted out to Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League's (IPL) auction, in which none of the players were acquired by any franchises, former cricketers have criticised the IPL management for the 'humiliation.'

Legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadeer, while blasting the IPL management for ignoring Pakistani cricketers, called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to start its own league and invite Indian players to participate in it.

"If need arises we should hold this league even at a neutral venue and try to invite as many Indian players as possible to give out a clear message we don't mix sports with politics," Qadeer said.

No player from Pakistan was picked up during the IPL 3 auction in Mumbai on Tuesday. Exciting all-rounder Shahid Afridi and left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir came under the hammer but had no takers.

Former captain Zaheer Abbas, however, said that the IPL was a private league, and nothing much can be done in this issue.

"The fact is the IPL is a private enterprise and if their franchises are not willing to take our players what can anyone do. But there is no doubt that our players and Pakistan cricket have been humiliated and insulted at such a big forum in a planned manner," The Daily Times quoted Abbas, as saying.

"Our players and officials should also not go to India for any reason. But if we want a betterment of ties with India then we should just keep quiet," he added.

Former Pakistan pace spearhead Sarfaraz Nawaz came down hard on the IPL management and the Indian government, saying chances of improving ties between both countries have been lost.

"I think the IPL and the Indian government have lost a golden opportunity to help improve ties between the two countries. I really do believe there were political reasons behind the way our players were snubbed at the auction and it is most unfortunate," Nawaz said. (ANI)