Ex Pak all-rounder Azhar Mahmood waiting for Indian visa to play in IPL

Karachi, Apr 13(ANI): Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is still awaiting an Indian visa to play for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kings XI had bought Mahmood for 200,000 dollars at the 2012 player auction.

The Kings XI management said Mahmood had taken a short break after playing in the Bangladesh Premier League but captain Adam Gilchrist confirmed that there have been visa issues.

Mahmood is the only player representing Pakistan in this season of the IPL.

Pakistan players have not played in the IPL after the inaugural season in 2008 due to the breakdown of cricketing ties between India and Pakistan over the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

IPL chairman and BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla had earlier said that the participation of Pakistan cricketers in the IPL hinged on the resumption of bilateral ties.

"No one is against Pakistan or Pakistani players in India, or else we would not have allowed Pakistani commentators or umpires in IPL 5," he had said.

"Everything is tied to the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between the two countries. Once that happens, I think everything will happen automatically. The IPL functions under the BCCI and when bilateral relations resume between the two boards, the IPL will also not be a problem for Pakistan players," he added. (ANI)