'IPL is the top T20 league in the world but I regret that Pakistan players can't participate in it' - Sohail Tanvir

Sohail Tanvir, the left-arm pacer is one of the rare Pakistani players that featured in the Indian Premier League. After just one season, the Men in Green were ruled out from taking part in one of the biggest T20 leagues across the globe. However, the 35-year-old pacer has now given out his opinion saying that he regrets not being able to play in the IPL after its inaugural season.

Tanvir was bought by Rajasthan Royals in the first season of IPL for a price of INR 1 crore. Moreover, he performed equally well for his franchise as he turned out to be the leading wicket-taker in the league with 22 wickets in 11 games. Tanvir was one of the heroes in making Royals lift the coveted trophy.

Sohail Tanvir regrets over the exclusion of Pakistan players from IPL

Tanvir pointed out that he regrets not to play in IPL as it is one of the best T20 leagues across the globe. There is no cricketer, who will not want to be the part of it. He also added the fact that he enjoyed and learnt a lot from the seniors in his time with Rajasthan Royals. According to Tanvir, Shane Warne is a great personality, who always tries to motivate everyone.

The left-handed pacer played his last international game against West Indies in 2017. However, he was ruled out from the national side due to a sudden dip in his bowling form. Now, the 29-year-old has opened up that he is gearing up for the comeback due to which he has shifted his focus to domestic cricket. The inclusion of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik in Pakistan cricket team gave him a ray of hope that the senior players are still in contention to play in the upcoming T20 World Cup according to Tanvir.

“Yes as a professional cricketer there is regret that myself and other Pakistani players can’t appear in the IPL. It is realistically the top T20 league in the world. Which player would not like to play in it. I have not given up hope of getting a recall to the Pakistan squad for the Asia Cup and World T20 this year.

“Then we also have another World T20 next year in India. The fact that the selectors have recalled Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik for the series against Bangladesh has given me lot of hope. It means seniors are still in contention,” Tanvir told Gsports on the GTV News channel.

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