Actor Rishi Kapoor makes a plea on Twitter, wants Pakistani players in IPL

Bollywood and cricket, especially during the Indian Premier League, are inseparable. The love for cricket is seen among many Bollywood stars, notably Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, the two of which are very expressive on twitter when it comes to the willow and cherry.

The latter, on Tuesday, had a plea. The veteran actor sent a strong message to the BCCI and other cricket fans as he expressed that India considered the participation of Pakistani players in the IPL.

“IPL. You got world players. Afghanistan makes their debut. My plea is please consider Pakistani players. Phir match hoga! Hum bade log hain. Please!” said Rishi in his tweet.

In his tweet, the 65-year-old, who is a fan of Mumbai Indians, is encouraging the concerned authorities to have a big heart for the neighbours and invite them to play the IPL. He also acknowledged the participation of world-class players and the debut of Afghanistani players.

But in a country where the mass doesn’t want to keep any friendly relationship with Pakistan, Kapoor’s tweet was responded to with hostility b fans. But the veteran’s effort to endorse peace between the two countries ought to be acknowledged.

No Pakistani cricketer has featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after its inaugural season in 2008. The opening season saw Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Mohammed Asif, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Misbah-Ul-Haq, Shoaib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir in action in the IPL as they plied their trade for various franchises.
The subsequent season (IPL 2), all players were withdrawn from their teams, and none have participated since.

However, from a cricket fan’s perspective, playing Pakistani players in the IPL will bring a lot more viewers to the cash-rich league. India and Pakistan players playing against each other, be it even in domestic leagues, is very exciting for the fans.

But for now, we will have to enjoy IPL 10 without our neighbours.

Here is the tweet from Rishi Kapoor:

IPL. You got world players. Afghanistan makes debut. My plea is please consider Pakistani players.Phir match hoga! Hum bade log hain.Please!

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) April 4, 2017