IPL blow for Pakistan stars

Ongoing visa problems mean Pakistan will not be represented in the third edition of the Indian Premier League next year

Pakistan players will not be involved in the third edition of the Indian Premier League beginning next March due to an ongoing delay in obtaining visas.

The Pakistan government barred its players from travelling to India for the second edition of the IPL this year, and they stayed at home even after the tournament was shifted to South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board was keen on its players participating in the third edition in India next year and, although the government has this time cleared the team to participate, the players have not yet been furnished with visas.

IPL chairman Lalit Modi, who had last month extended the deadline to December 7 for Pakistan’s players to get clearance, said he could not allow more time.

“We have been informed by the PCB that they have not been able to obtain the visas as of now,” Modi said.

“December 7 was the absolute deadline for confirmation of Pakistan players. We will not extend the deadline because we are handicapped because of the exchange window.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan’s players are out and will not be allowed to take part in the next IPL. We are informing the teams that they can now go for replacement of Pakistan players.”

Five Pakistan players - Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah-ul Haq, Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir, who starred in Rajasthan Royals' triumph in the inaugural IPL in 2008 - have contracts in place with teams for 2010.

Contracts for seven others, including Younus Khan and Shoaib Akhtar, were terminated prior to the second edition of the league this year after the Pakistan government refused to sanction permission for players to participate due to security following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai in late 2008.

All-rounder Razzaq, who missed the first edition of the IPL due to links with the unauthorised Indian Cricket League, was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this year.