PCB keen to send players to India for IPL IV

The Pakistan Cricket Board is willing to provide all documents and clearance of its players if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides to allow its cricketers to take part in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League.

A senior official of the PCB Subhan told at a press conference here today that the Board was interested in sending its players for the IPL 2011 to India.

"We are keen on this and if the Indian board requires us to provide any clearance or NOC for any player we will do it," Subhan said.

He added that the PCB had already written to the BCCI on the issue last week and were awaiting a reply from them.

The issue of Pakistani players taking part in the lucrative T20 league that attracts players from all cricketing nations has been a contentious issue since the terror attacks in Mumbai in November 2008.

Pakistani players have not been able to take part in the last two editions of the IPL despite efforts made by the PCB.

In the inaugural edition in 2008 over a dozen Pakistani players played for different franchises and Sohail Tanvir was adjudged best bowler of the tournament.

In 2009, the PCB and government itself didn't give clearance to any player to play in the IPL and early this year the IPL franchises didn't bid for any Pakistani cricketer at the players' auction, although the PCB had sent names of around 10 players after giving them clearance.

This led to exchange of words between the two countries.

Subhan said that the IPL was a major event and it was essential for Pakistani players to take part in it.

"We want them to be part of this league but in the end it all depends on what policy the Indian board adopts in allowing our players in the IPL," he said.

"On our part we can only write to them and ask them to consider our players. So far we have not heard anything from them on the IPL issue," he added.

Asked about reports that rookie pacer Mohammed Irfan had been signed on by Kolkata Knight Riders directly, Subhan clarified that no player could directly sign with any franchise.

"The rules have changed in the IPL and now no franchise can either sign on a player directly neither can any player approach any franchise unless he has got NOC from both boards," Subhan stated.

He also said this was why the PCB had written to the Indian board to find out the current situation before the players auction takes place.

Since the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian government has not encouraged bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan although the PCB has been keen to play a series against India even at neutral venues.