Zaheer Abbas wants Pakistan players to feature in IPL

Former Pakistan cricketer Zaheer Abbas said in a recent interview that it would be great to see Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League.

The IPL is the most renewed T20 league in the world and due to the political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Pakistan players having been missing out the IPL action since its second edition. Interestingly, it was Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir, who had emerged as the leading wicket taker in the inaugural edition of the IPL and bagged the Purple Cap.

Zaheer Abbas, who is also the current ICC President, said the inclusion of Pakistani players in the league will be beneficial for the tournament as well.  “It would raise the importance and status of the league”, quoted Abbas on inclusion of players from Pakistan.

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He was invited to witness the finals of the ongoing season of the IPL and Abbas quoted that he accepted the invitation of the finals. He also emphasized on his interest of improving the bilateral ties between the two countries.

“I have accepted the invitation and it is a good opportunity for me to again highlight the importance of resuming bilateral cricket ties although they are obviously subject to government clearances,” Abbas quoted. Abbas will continue to head the operations in the ICC till end of July, when his tenure would end as the ICC President. Following that, he is likely to play a pivotal role in the PCB administration.

Speaking on the political tensions, he said “I think any government hurdles in the way of having a bilateral series should be removed,” he added.

Earlier, he had also quoted that he feels sad for the youngsters of his country for not being able to play in the IPL and also the lack of home games for the youngsters. “Our players are not getting the right opportunities and exposure. They are also not in the IPL. I feel sorry for the young players who can’t play international cricket or against touring sides at home,” Zaheer Abbas had said.