Karachi : Pakistan one-day cricket captain Shahid Afridi urged Indian Premier League IPL to include Pakistan players with relations between the two countries steadily improving.
"It is high time Pakistani cricketers also get a place in the IPL. For three seasons, including the current one, we haven't been a part of the IPL. We have no problems playing in India as we have just played a World Cup semi-final there," Afridi told Press Trust of India PTI.
Pakistan's players featured in inaugural version of the IPL but, following Mumbai terrorist attack in November 2008 and its diplomatic fallout, they weren't picked by any of franchises for the subsequent two editions, and will also not be part of the tournament that started on Friday.
"I am not saying I want to play the IPL but it could be a great platform for youngsters. They could make a mark for themselves," Afridi said.
He said inclusion of Pakistan players in IPL was an opportunity for both countries to improve relations. "Our Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani responded positively to the invitation (by Indian Premier Manmohan Singh) and watched World Cup semi final match between Pakistan and India at Mohali. Now IPL can be a platform to further ease the tension," he said. "We should play more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce theunwanted media hype surrounded with Indo-Pak matches," skipper added.
