PCB give the 'go ahead' for players' participation in IPL-III

Karachi: Forced to sit out this year due to PCB`s no to their participation, Pakistani cricketers are all set to return to the Indian Premier League next season as the Board has decided to give them the go ahead for competing in the cash-awash Twenty20 tourney.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt said the PCB would not object to its players taking part in the lucrative league and has conveyed this to IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi during a meeting in India.

"I spoke to him about our players taking part in the next IPL season and have requested him to ensure that Pakistani players are allowed to play in the league next year," he said.

PCB stopped Pakistani players from taking part in the IPL as it was advised to do so by the foreign affairs ministry in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks.

The IPL was later moved to South Africa but by then, the franchisees had either released or suspended the contracts of their Pakistani signings.

Butt said he has requested Modi to allow Pakistani players` inclusion in the list of cricketers who would be auctioned early next year.

"Our players are keen to take part in the IPL next year as they would be free during the period the league is planned," he said.

Bureau Report