Azhar Mahmood gets visa, to join Kings XI

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who is now a British citizen, has finally been granted an Indian visa and will be joining his IPL team soon, Kings XI Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist said.

"I have just been told that he has received a visa," said Gilchrist, whose side beat Pune Warriors in Mohali on Thursday night.

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Gilchrist, who is also the team's coach, said Mahmood (37) should be joining the squad soon and "that would be nice".

On Wednesday, when Gilchrist was asked about the status of Mahmood -- who was picked by KXIP at this year's players' auction -- joining the team, he replied: "It's up to the government, because he is not getting his visa at the moment.

"We bought a player we were told was available for every game and we are still unable to access our player. It's not in our hands."

Mahmood, who has featured in 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, was bought by KXIP for US $200,000 but not been able to play in the IPL as he was not granted the Indian visa.

Earlier, the team management had said Mahmood had himself taken a short break because of domestic reasons.

The Punjab team is hoping to bolster their bowling and batting attack by Mahmood's presence, as they are also without English pacer Stuart Broad, who was ruled out because of injury.

If Mahmood plays for Punjab, he will be the only former Pakistani player to feature in this season's IPL.