Sports

Afridi calls for inclusion of Pakistanis in IPL

Captain says Pakistani players have no issues playing matches in India.

Ppi April 08, 2011

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Friday called for the inclusion of Pakistani players in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Speaking to the Press Trust of India, Afridi said that Pakistani players had no problems with playing in India as they had just played a match in the country.

"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,” said the Pakistan captain.

Pakistan's players featured in the inaugural version of the IPL, but were later not picked by any of the franchises following the Mumbai attacks in 2008 and are also not part of the current edition of the tournament.

Afridi said the inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL was an opportunity for both countries to improve relations. He said Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani had responded positively to the invitation from Indian Prime Minister Manmoham Singh and now the IPL could help ease tensions between the two countries.

“We should play more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce the unwanted media hype surrounded with Indo-Pak matches," skipper added.

The fourth edition of the IPL began today (Friday) in Chennai with the two new teams added to the tournament.

COMMENTS (86)

Mustafa | 13 years ago | Reply Some of the comments on here are disgusting! and all the references to terrorism, there are extremists and terrorists on both sides not just from Pakistan. You call Pakistan a terrorist state but Pakistan is the one crippled by terrorism and getting wrecked by US control of the Pak govt. Leave Pakistan alone, they are not responsible for terrorists as every country including India as well have extremists, terrorists and far-right wing and fascist groups. I can understood the hard feelings towards Afridi. Final point I want to make people aware it's completely off-topic but I knave to say this as so many of you are calling pakistanis "terrorists", the biggest terrorist organisation is US and Muslim countries are victims of it.

Jaina | 13 years ago | Reply @ E truth hurts you... ha ha! so you make up some crap about how equal you are and why Pak mistreats its minority. Dude - Pak hosts the largest pilgramage for Sikhs (yeh they pay for it and not your lying leaders)... and Dude - you are right about one thing... Pakistan people hate people like you.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

e | 13 years ago | Reply @I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY: At least we have that representation. Many of our cricket captains have been non-Hindus and so have our Presidents, Chief of armed forces, etc. What does Pakistan have to show on this score? Poor Yousuf Youhana was compelled to embrace Islam so as to become captain of Pakistan; an indicator that non-Muslims have no place in the scheme of things in Pakistan. Talking about minorities, it shall be in the fairness of things that Pakistanis don't sermon others on the plight of minorities. Hindus, who at the time of partition, constituted 25% of the population are a mere 2.5% now - forced to convert to Islam or die! We all know, how the minorities in Pakistan are persecuted under the Anti-Blasphemy law - Asia Bibi's imprisonment under the Draconian law - being a case in point. No non-Muslim can hope to get even a menial job in Pakistan unless he/she converts to Islam. That's how you treat your minorities dude, so do you think you have any locus standi to preach others???

Amruth | 13 years ago | Reply Why doesn't Afridi directly say that he is interested in big bucks? I feel that the IPL should continue without Pakistan players after the links found after the Mumbai terror incident.

I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY | 13 years ago | Reply @ hafeez Indian Bro- there is no way you are muslim nor are you a Hafeez. So you have a few token muslims and sikhs in your side...what does that make you...Mandella's shadow of spirit? The 300M deprived folks in India are the muslims, budhhists and christians.... what are they 3rd class citizens in your country... just one higher than the untouchables? Yep, sounds like the land of democracy. Did you know that Pak wants to be taken over the China, so that they can then be part of the China force that kicks your ass when they take over you. Watch out here they come.... hide your carts, hide your oxen, bury your lentils... they are acoming to your shores.

Hafeez.Indian | 13 years ago | Reply @I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY Salam Alaikkum Khan bhai. Whatever the propoganda you make, World and Allah knows what is reality. Don't be oversmart by thinking that only Hindus are living in India. By insulting India, you are insulting 20 crores of your so called brothers also. China will overtake this country economically. Yes. Entire world knows it. But can you? Noooooooo Chanceeeeee at allllllllllllllllllllllll...................................... Gujarat muslim brothers will laugh if they read your statistics. Incidentally Criciket Players from Gujarat, Munaf Patel and Yusuf Pathan are also your so called brothers. 10% of the Government Employess in Gujarat are also your so called brothers. (More than Hyderabad's state) This is not 1947.. When both countries are at same comparable level.. Now it is 2011.. 3rd Economic Power of the World Vs. 27th Economic Power of the World.. Uncomparable... Wake up and Come out of dreams of 1947.. We Indian Muslims Wakeup already.. Youuu? Khudha Hafiz.

Manoj | 13 years ago | Reply Being Indian I would always cheer for Indian cricketers,But I have have also grown up watching classic bowlers emerge just from our own neighborhood. The era of Kapil, akram and Imran is gone and we always tend to doubt calibre of the present genre of players.The recently concluded world cup has proved again that when it comes to playing in sub-continent,the trio India pakistan and srilanka still hold the flags of supremacy.and special credit to the Pakistan team for the way they played against all adversaries and reached the semis.IPL is altogether different format being managed few franchises where teams are chosen by fewer business tycoons who are there to make money and they could do that only when they make politicians happy.The mumbai attacks has given the chance to these politicians to pull the strings and IPL bosses played safe.Even a layman in cricket can vouch that give the current form the players Pakistani cricketers are better than west indies,bangladesh and even Australians.I would love to see pakistani cricketer play along with indians and srilankans in future edition.Our bowlers can learn something so do their batsmen.ultimately cricket improves here,here in subcontinent.THIS IS WHAT PEOPLE WANTS.and this is my appeal to all IPL owners to rise above politics take desicsions which improves cricket as a whole in the subcontinent.

Dreamer | 13 years ago | Reply I am really surprised to see so many Indians on this site and commenting .... this speaks volumes of the standard of news reporting in India ..... that they have to read newspapers from neighboring countries. Damn they dont even trust their own media channels ... feel really sorry for them, we have bigger hearts, by indian brothers and sisters, you are more then welcome to our news paper sites ;-)

I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY | 13 years ago | Reply @INDIAN Oh by the way have look in your EVERYTHING-IS-INDIAN encyclopedia and you will observe the world's number 1.0012 country for in-country racial tension is yours... and the #1.14 for racial deaths over the last 10.3345234 years is Gujrat. Congratulations maybe you can make a movie on this? I bet you are the type of person that celebrates everytime a non-hindu life is lost somewhere in the world. You should pair up with @Vin.... and I bet you're both sharing the same nationalistic bed. Maybe China will one day come in and take over your country..... then you'll be learning how to play scrabble rather than cricket.... that judging by your bowlers might be a better option.

rohit | 13 years ago | Reply @Roamer: one more thing ....aleem dar is umpiring in ipl....he has already umpired in raj. royals vs delhi daredevils match. so hope now u agree who is having bada dil.........

I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY | 13 years ago | Reply @INDIAN Thank you for your geographical lecture. I know now that when we travel down from the mountains, I can use a hybrid-car on your roads when I travel across Gujrat rather than renting an Oxen-led cart. We love your movies as they represent real life in India. We know you guys sing and dance in the streets every day. We also know how corrupt you really are and that you don't give a damn about the 500M poor people that live in your country. All you care about is getting into your call-centre worlds. The racists are you lot..... its engrained in who you are which is why you lot still have your caste system. I have many many close friends from India.... but none are like racists. enjoy your IPL.... full of washed up cricketers and over weight hackers

V. Sai | 13 years ago | Reply @Vin: Hooligans like you should be banned not just from threads such as these, but also from the Cricket grounds and stadium stalls. What right do you have to vent such filthy sentiments. Have you no shame? You are the New Indian Youth we should be proud of? People of your ilk don't speak for India. Hell, you don't deserve to call yourself Indian. Had we known that a lumpen element with members such as you, would evolve in an independent India, maybe we wouldn't have been that insistent, to have the British grant us independence.

Cosmo | 13 years ago | Reply @Egr: Well, am an Indian and, I would like to be considerd ourselves with small hears rather than playing Afridi in IPL. Small-Hearted Indians Rocks!!

Indian | 13 years ago | Reply @I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY: What a cheap and dirty language. No logic just reflexion of effect of your upbringing. You are talking about Gujrat. You might not be able to find this in any of your Madras books but in year 2010, Forbes list of world's fastest growing cities included Ahmedabad, a city of Gujrat at number 3. 87.9% of the total roads in the state are asphalt surfaced. 98.86% village connectivity with all‐weather roads, the highest in India. 100% of Gujarat's 18,000 villages have electricity. I can write thousands of more words. Now go and see your country. You are no. 1 in producing international terrorists and looking at comment I won't be surprised if your are proud of that. You can't even get a original name. Even for that you need to take help/copy of a INDIAN movie's dialogue.

AA | 13 years ago | Reply @Blithe: You have told it before.. plagiarism

hassan | 13 years ago | Reply Dear Afridi, Pathans live by certain codes, which are: For them, their word is their honor. They live by the word they give. They would rather give up their lives than to go back on their words. They will never lie. It's an unwritten code of their lives that lies are not part of their make-up. They will never beg for anything. If they don't get something, they will simply ignore it. Pathans, when they know they are illiterate, they will just shut up and allow the elders in the family to speak. Afridi, I seriously doubt if you are a real, genuine Pathan !

Maulana Diesel | 13 years ago | Reply by the way....its fascinating to see all the Indians on Pakistani newspapers. That should tell us something about Indian newspapers.

Maulana Diesel | 13 years ago | Reply Afridi - even if you have 10,000 ODI wickets and 50,000 runs you in particular and any other Pakistani in general will never ever be allowed in the IPL. You should try to make a living in Pakistan or any other country except India.

Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply I have never ever heard from a player from any other country asking to be included to play in any tournament, And that includes other sports, ( football hockey etc etc) Dear oh dear mr Afridi $$$$$$ the dollar syndrome $$$$$ in you as well. Sometimes our " sharm hayat" goes out the window.

Afridi (Bade Dil Wala) | 13 years ago | Reply @Aslam Mahaboob: Who are Pak players to mete out justice to Mumbai killers, dont mix cricket with politics between 2 countries India is a big cricketing nation, certainly it weilds enormous power in ICC, we should not act petty , and we should give due respect and place in international cricket to our neighbour All said and done.. Pakistani players are no doubt talented , encouraging them shall certainly nurture cricket , both here and in Pakistan Even here in cricket we should not bring in Hindu/Muslim/ terrorism/ I am good/ you are bad / you said this / I replied that ... blah blah Let sanity prevail....

maynotmatter | 13 years ago | Reply Dear bloggers. Why are Pakistani so much insisting of letting Pakistani play in IPL (Indian Premier League) it is not an International League, but India's own league. We decide whom we want to let play. How could Pakistani even demand or beg or argue that we let them play. I see absolutely no self respect in Pakistanis here. If you have any dignity left, stop arguing about letting your player in Indian League. You should, if you dare, create your own league. Put your own money and then not let Indian's to play. Or better, show your bigger heart by letting Indian cricketers play in your "PPL". As a closing note, once again, this is INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE, so stop begging and stop arguing.

I-AM-KHAN-AND-I-AM-NOT-GULITY | 13 years ago | Reply To vasan and kanishka, You are truly bigoted racists with your narrow minded religious based comments. Crawl back under the stone that you came out of... you represent the sort of low life the world resents. It is obvious to us that you know nothing about cricket and you probably come from a fuedal village where you still burn widows and abide by your pathetic caste system.... idiots... people are people....stop your pathetic whining and go to remote Gujrat where they like your type of monkeys.

Adil | 13 years ago | Reply I do respect his abiltities as a great captain,but things would have been way better had someone trained him in becoming a frank and honest person too. Some people sound right when they say that Shahid Afridi needs some rest and psychiatric help. There were chances for the inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL after his speech in India, but the idiot has undone it,plus joined the likes of Sohail Tanvir in order to show that Pakistan is a nation of bigots and hypcorits.Perhaps,Wasim Akram,Amir Sohail and others from the mature lot of Pakistani cricket may rectify our image.

Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Roamer : Stop talking about Indian mindset. You are trying to reason for a cricketer who at one moment makes some populist gestures in India and then once return to Pakistan cramps down under home pressure and utters bigoted statements with religious flavour which is greatly appreciated in Pakistan. And then the very next day takes a 180 degree turn and tries to cover up his naked statements and begs to the same nation whom he despises. The thing is that all matured individual knows here that general Indians and Pakistanis have reservations against each other because of sociopolitical reasons and thanks to the "responsible" role played by he media of the two countries. And most of them are ready to settle down with that. They neither want to embrace each other nor want to express hate. But when popular public representatives like Afridi looses his integrity and fails to maintain a single stand, it really stirs everything. If you want to criticize India, then please do but make constructive feedback. Don't try to justify something which is worser than begging and that probably you know yourself as well. Had there been no economic prosperity in India, majority of the Pakistanis would not have given a damn to India. It's all about money and I believe nothing wrong for Pakistani players wanting to use this opportunity. Then atleast act wisely and stop propagating hate messages against India, however popular it may turn out to be in Pakistan.

ankush | 13 years ago | Reply its just a matter of dollars for afridi i know pakistani players will increase the talent pool but we have to remember only 4 internattional players can be included in the squad. this means only 4-5 pakistani players will play regularly for teams and these 4-5 players would increase the flavour but not reaaly add to actual playing talent ( i mentioned they will only increase the talant pool but not much into actual playing 11) and some of his commants were wrong but one thing is for sure pakistani players r present or not it makes minisule difference and we r happy even if they r not there again its just a matter of the DOLLARS bcoz pakistani money is around halve value to indian money afridi auctioned at 4 crores will mean he gets approx 7 crores pakistani rupees and tahts hell lot of money and in todays world there is no gretaer natonality and religion than money

Umair Waheed Sheikh, Khayban e Hafiz,IBA Karachi | 13 years ago | Reply None of these match fixers should play cricket. Let IPL be clean!!

Ronit | 13 years ago | Reply What a shameless fellow he is, does he still think that Pakistani players will get a chance in IPL after his love words...he has proved it yet again...Money talks!!

Asad Baig | 13 years ago | Reply @Aslam Mahaboob. I deliberately avoided the politics between two countries and If you are old enough than you can understand what am I trying to say. I can also bring hundreds of issues here from the 1971 war to many other things currently supported by India in Pakistan,but lets talk cricket only.Match fixing is not the issue so please don't confuse the issue here. I am against Match fixing or any type of fixing whether it is done in international match or any club level match.I did not defend Afiridi for biting the ball nor was that discussion here,I talked about the interview its seems that you are bringing things which are in no way related to the topic.You have the right to have your own views but because Pakistan is a small country and its media is also small, as it usually happens big things (India media) is trying to influence most of the people in India and around the world by only showing them one side of the Picture and mostly negative too. I am very happy to read that there are still sane voices coming out from India like Mr.Sanjay from Mumbai.The two Ws- Wasim and Waqar were once asked about their biggest regret in cricket and they said they could not play more cricket against India and especially Test Matches.I am a huge fan of Sachin,and he has huge Fan following in Pakistan and I am very happy that he Finally Won the World Cup.Lets keep politics out from Cricket and Sports.

Shabbir | 13 years ago | Reply @Ron(indian): Because he is a Pathan.And in Pathan culture elder brother is called Lala.

vasan | 13 years ago | Reply Roamer : It is difficult to wake up a pretending to be a sleeping person. Any organisation/country/society will have its black sheep. It is the institutions, civil society and the general public's willingness to book the culprits is the most important one. Yes Lalit modi was accused and may be corrupt. But dont you see that he is chased by the BCCI and Indian courts and he is partying in London unable to come home. Didnt u read about the jailing of the Indian corrupt minister Raja for his swindling and CBI under Supreme court is following up the cases. Didnt u read about Anna Hazare and civil societies pressure on Indian govt to put in a proper Lokpal bill for prevention of corruption.Indian cricket had its share of fixers like Pakistan like South africa etc, Didnt u know Azaruddin was banished for life, Ajay jadeja is sidelined. We didnt wait for ICC to take action. Did i know the southafrican player, I think Hershall Gibbs, will not be able to come to India as a police warrant is waiting for him. Pl tell me what did PCB did for Pakistani black sheep cricketers, what did your supreme court do for the terrorist cases inside Pakistan, Any charge sheets, trials??? Everyone was released for lack of evidence (euphemism for threatened judiciary) I guess

Roamer | 13 years ago | Reply @Madan ..... hahahaha where is lalit modi and what was his crime? please enlighten us :)

Madan | 13 years ago | Reply We Indians do not have to prove anything (definitely not our generosity) to the Pakistani cricketers most of whom are known cheats, ball-biters, match-fixers and spot fixers. Let us keep these vipers out from IPL and thus keep the League clean, decent and wholesome for our children and fans to participate and learn from..

Aslam Mahaboob | 13 years ago | Reply @Asad Baig: Don't conveniently blame India for Pakistan Cricket's problems. It was the out of control terrorists incubated by your army that attacked the Sri lankan team. It was yr cricket team members who took money for spot fixing. It was Afridi who tampered the ball by biting it. Yes, indian cricketers were involved once, but they were banned and set as an example to all future cricketers by the BCCI. BCCI didnt wait for the ICC to do anything. If you want the indian media to be nice, then do the right thing by bringing the mumbai attackers to justice. This is a FACT.

Asad Baig | 13 years ago | Reply As a Keen follower of Pakistan Cricket since late 70s, I agree that Afridi should have avoided the religious angle in the interview but rest of his Talk is TRUE and CANNOT be IGNORED at all. He has called spade a spade which may not be liked by some but it’s true. India media takes no time in degrading Pakistan at any level this is a fact and should not be ignored at all. I am seeing this for last 25-30 years. The World Cup period is a proof of this though we all know it. The attitude of Indians(Cricket board and Government mainly) is not good; just look how much Pakistani cricket has suffered because of non cooperation of India especially during last few years when Pakistan needed it most. Pakistani Players in Cricket are SECOND TO NONE. Our players have been ignored consistently IN IPL. Most people reading this were too young to remember the 1987 and 1996 World Cups which were organised by Pakistan and India and there was much harmony between them. Now because India has MONEY and POWER they have been ARM TWISTING the ICC, left, right and center and have left even England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa the predominately white nations behind in this, whether one likes it or not but it’s a FACT.

prashanth | 13 years ago | Reply @Vin: It is better that Afridi is in India playing cricket than Ajmal Kasab, plying his trade! Look at the individual level, why should a talented cricketer of Afridi's cadre lose a just portion of IPL's pot of money. What is his fault? is he not competent enough with bat and the ball? Thanks to Pakistan's military, it is not Afridi and his ilk, who bring joy to the cricket lovers of both country, that are encouraged by the condition of our bilateral relationship, but those who wield Guns and bring death to citizens of both nations!

prashanth | 13 years ago | Reply @obi: Dignity is not a free meal. You got to earn it. First establish rule of law. Get rid of the 1000 pound gorilla of military supremacy over civilian government from the room. Get rid of government (military and secret service are part of the government) militant bases from your front, backyard and Kitchen. Get equal rights to your women and minorities. At least move in that direction. You will have dignity - no need to demand or prove it!

Sanjay, Mumbai | 13 years ago | Reply IPL and true cricket fans are big losers by not having cricketers fro Pakistan in IPL teams. If IPL can have ordinary/ retired players from Australia, New Zealand..why not Pakistani players..some of whom are most talented players. Opposition to Pakistani players playing in IPL from some of my Indian contributors here on message board smells of immaturity and on verge of arrogance. Time is not far, when IPL teams will be falling over each other to sign Pak players in near future, once political climate improves.till , then circket fans will have to bear loss..!

Roamer | 13 years ago | Reply To all my indian colleagues who are commenting on this news item, 'Media is the reflection of the mindset of a nation' and this is exactly what Afridi said in his statement, if you think otherwise then prove him wrong and show the world how big hearted people you really are? if you can't do that then there is no point in arguing about it over here, go to your indian media website and spew as much venom as you want. You are simply wasting your time over here :)

Rakib | 13 years ago | Reply @mahesh: You are quite correct. Pakistan is an important catchment area or breeding ground for cricketing talent. Based merely on some intemperate talks IPL should not deprive itself of that pool to draw its resources from. If Andrew Symonds could be welcomed in India freshly after Harbhajan fiasco and that too at a very hefty price, a bit of foot chewing by Afridi should be laughed off. An average adult's heart is only the size of a fist & weighs 300 grammes. And an enlarged heart is not a sign of good health!

vasan | 13 years ago | Reply True to the typical Pakistani begging nature, Afridi wants to get the $$$$$$$$$ from IPL. Doesnt he have any shame left. Isnt he the one who said Pakistani players will never be part of IPL after the franchisees ditched him last year. IPL should include Pakistani players, esp Afridi if and only if the franchisees wants to train their boys in 1. Wicket digging 2. Ball chewing 3. smelling via the teeth 4. Spot fixing 5. match fixing and of course stone throwing by the Indian public, The mad Indian cricket lover could easily be aroused by the repeated telecast of the stupid Indian tv channels of afridi's comments, denials, and other volte faces. Does any one worry about the massive security expenses if the Pakistani players participate in IPL esp in Mumbai. Will afridi and co foot the bill. Why should the franchisee pay for this. Indians, esp the Indian cricket lovers are having a ball of a time with the World cup win and the new look IPL teams. Let them enjoy it. For heavens sake dont spoil the party with the unwanted, uninvited pakistani players. If u are desparate, invite the Pak umpires and coaches like Wasim etc. No players please,. Let MMS and Zardari sort out the political/terrorist issues, We can worry about I&P PL cricket afterwards. That can wait. We have enough talents already on display in IPL and enough to be unearthed within India itself. Pakistan does not have a monopoly on talents, So we are not going to miss out by the absence of Pakistani players.

anupam | 13 years ago | Reply @Roamer: You start your own PIL with players fron Holland, Afganistan,Malesiya,UAE,Brazil, Argetina, Nigeria,Ghana etc.

Subhash | 13 years ago | Reply We do'nt need any terrorist in India.No Pakistani allowed in IPL.You carry on with "khudkush hamala" in Pakistan only.

anupam | 13 years ago | Reply @Roamer: Why not you pakistanis start your own PIL ? You are having so much talent. A sucide bomber can become umpire. In place of ball you can through bombs.

Dr Dev Mishra | 13 years ago | Reply vin, from one Indian to another, you have written a very bad comment. We are here to build bridges. I simply post what I said above- ' I am a doctor working in the UK. If I show contempt and disloyalty to the home nation, I would be shown the door. See my full post above for details. Genuine request to Pakistanis- why not start a PPL? When Tata was discriminated in a hotel 100 years ago, he built the Taj hotel and set up the Tatas. They have now bought Jaguar and Land Rover and are worth 70 billion dollars.

Ahmed | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan players are already bagging very good money via Pcb central contract...moreover 5 lacs each from chief ministers of sindh and punjab...big money from advertisement...How much more money you need guys ???? kuch to sharam karo Mulk or Qom ki Khatir...Laanat bhaijo IPL pay !!

sneha | 13 years ago | Reply @mumbaikar: With so many players in India itself, with so much of talent within India itself, why should we be concerned about the talent hunt in Pakistan? What's wrong with you? Can't they take care of themselves? Are you another Gandhi? And you are a 'mumbaikar'. Have you forgotten the terrorist attack carried out in Mumbai so easily? I'm not saying the pak players are responsible. But the damn country is a terrorist state. They plot schemes against india. Why should the pakistanis be allowed to rake moolah in India then? Afridi himself seems to be a fanatic. Why else would he have made the anti-India, anti-Hindu comments?

sneha | 13 years ago | Reply I thought he had vowed never to play in IPL after being snubbed in 2008. Wonder what happened to that vow? Moolah more important i guess I personally don't feel we should include any Pakistani player in IPL be it today or tomorrow or anytime in the future. Please just keep them out of INDIA.

rohit | 13 years ago | Reply @Roamer go and first get full info about ipl..YOU SHUD KNOW THAT WASIM AKRAM IS A PART OF IPL.

mahesh | 13 years ago | Reply i support inclusion of pakistani players in the next edition of IPL. i always wonder how can you produce such quality fast bowlers on regular basis inspite of losing some recently due to controversies. its a pleasure to see pakistani and indian players in the same team. inclusion of pak players also means more money for IPL

Roamer | 13 years ago | Reply I guess this is a good test .... are Indians big hearted people or not? this is the poing of contention ...., I guess Afridi is right in suggesting that Indians are not big hearted as they refuse Pakistanis from playing IPL and not only stop over here, they have not chosen not to select world's best umpire Aleem Dar from officiating in IPL games, atleast the umpires do not belong to country they are employed by ICC .... so all the indians who are writing over here and trying to ridicule afridi, can they and their country show big heartedness and be unbiased and respond in a hig hearted manner and prove Afridi wrong.

raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Rakib: very smart..dnt be over smart..we indians are kafirs..so y a muslims is begging to kafirs ? haha..we have good foregn players from australia,africa,srilanka ,england..we are happy with themm.. its indian premier league..our own leage..its kafirs league.. a muslim shold not come to play with less hearted kafirs.

raj | 13 years ago | Reply @mumbaikar: how its a waste of talent from ipl..dnt joke..its lost oppurtunity for pakistanis to make money. after all afridi shoild not beg kafirs (hindus) for money..he shoild pylay with their own taliban team..

raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Kabir: we still remember..sohail tanweers wrod on india and bad word on hindus for not included n 3rd ipl.. so thank u very much..we, hindus dnt need pakistanis...we are happy with non pakistani ipl

SD | 13 years ago | Reply I think Afridi's wife scolded him for his remark over the Indians last week. Thst is why this begging bowl. But isn;t this the national characteristic of the Pakistanis ?

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply Oh guys! it is a bitter truth India has made development in every sphere of life now it is its right to feel proud or show arrogance. Depending on some one is not an ideal approach.we need to build own resources so that we also live with dignity. if we are not able to develop still we should not make such kind of requests as Afridi made. i strongly lament his action and last but not least he is so-called Petriot Pakistani, one day delivering lecture on pertiotism and other day begging INDIA. Just for money he is ready to get insulted, what will happen when he has to play under an Indain captin e.g. Gahmbir. Sahme on you Mr. Mean.

Kanishka | 13 years ago | Reply Post afridi's anti Hindu comments, the people of India have been absolutely disillusioned of Pakistani mentality... we know that for you Hindus will always remain Kafirs and one's to be gotten rid of when the time comes..... So please leave us alone and you have your own country please try to make that place a heaven and if you want take deobandis and barelvis and Zakir Naiks also with you... we kafirs are quite happy with ourselves, we dont wanna be carrying your burden for ever....

Ron(indian) | 13 years ago | Reply Why do you people call Mr Boom boom as lala?? is he from La La land??

Ron(indian) | 13 years ago | Reply Congrats pakistani you got one more politician. Anyway I would like to announce India has won fight against corruption under the leadership of Anna Hazare our new captain (new gandhi) better than Dhoni. Pakistani media did not show the peacock revolution of India(fight against corruption). Afridi has better future than imran khan he is fast learner of politics. Best of luck Afridi I hope within 7 years you will enter into the politics. thanks.

Cherish Raj | 13 years ago | Reply @Rakib Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin are all Australians who are playing in the IPL. How can you assume that the league is not doing well when the 95% of the ad inventory is already sold at $ 14500 for a ten second slot by Set Max ( the remaining 5% is reserved for the semifinals and finals) and the broadcasters expect a revenue of $200 million this year. The broadcasters of the ICC world cup could only manage $180 million. Sponsorships have increased by 25% and 7 new brands have been added. Volkswagen has come out with a new IPL car!!. However, it is not all rosy for new businesses, not only for the IPL, but everywhere in the world, at any given point of time. If making a business successful is so easy, poverty and malnutrition would have never existed. Remember that the IPL is only 4 years old and if revenues have tripled in such a short span and you call the event a failure, then I would like to hear your definition of success.

aries | 13 years ago | Reply Did he say this!!! hard to believe...he seriously needs to see a psychiatrist.... with his gifted "LARGE HEART" how can he expect to play amongst small hearted people.... We dont want you afridi... we had a good laugh at you for seeking to play in IPL and at the most I can thank you for this comedy!!! I liked you as a player till a week ago...and now I like you as a joker!!

pl/sql | 13 years ago | Reply The title should be: Afridi BEGS for inclusion of Pakistanis in IPL

Vin | 13 years ago | Reply After showing true colors afridi shouldnt expect anything good from Indians.. This is height of Baighairat...shameless beggars.... Indians dont want Pakistanis in India.... I can see Ratib the bangladeshi and some nerd Mumbaikar who wants them in , I have to tell them that if this time Afridi's men step foot in India they will return in body bags along with SRK, Salman and Bhatt traitor party...... ...

Dr Mishra | 13 years ago | Reply I am a doctor working in the UK. If I show contempt and disloyalty to the home nation, I would be shown the door. I have seen it happen to a few unfortunate ones over the years, who have pocketed the pounds and been sneering or abusive to the English culture. They never last long here. Is Afridi listening? Look at how Tendulkar, Dravid, Dhoni, Kumble etc conduct themselves. The words dignity and bearing come to mind.

ms. opinionated | 13 years ago | Reply why afridi? for the glitz n glamour, lights and mayhem (oh and money too), i think the pakistan team should stay away from the IPL, its for their best, today they are in and then tomorrow due to some political mishap they are out, india and pakistan's relationship unfortunately right now is just based on very loose strings.yes play india but not in india, on neutral venues. that should be all for the moment.

deep | 13 years ago | Reply I feel sorry for these cricketeers. The PTI journalist must have asked him - so should Pakistani players play in the IPL? And his response in the affirmative has morphed into this article where he is apparently begging to be included. Another instance - the journalist quoting Aamir Sohail said that Shahid afridi was a 'ghatiya' man - to this shahid afridi countered that Aamir sohail was ghatiya (what do you expect him to say?). What Shahid AFridi should do is follow the example of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. When then latter was advised by a mullah on television (part of a world cup show that featured Basit Ali), not to sing any kufr-esque songs , the singer and diplomat par excellence just nodded and let the moment pass without comment.

mumbaikar | 13 years ago | Reply i think i agree with him,they shud play,it's a waste of talent not only for pakistan but also for ipl.and yes he shud learn to control his big mouth,someone get him a pr manager for god's sake.

Egr | 13 years ago | Reply Calm down mates! Afridi wants to see if Indians have big hearts or they just have big hearted mouths.

Arif Z | 13 years ago | Reply Lala.. Wasn't it you who said Pak players should neve play in IPL after last year's snub?? Isn't it just a domestic tournament in India? why are you now begging?? Please grow up... you are the captain of a national team

Cherish Raj | 13 years ago | Reply I think the Pakistanis should be allowed to play in the IPL. It will add more color and excitement to the event. Sports and entertainment should not be held hostage to politics. If Rahet Ali Khan, Atif Aslam and the others can work in Bollywood, why should Wahab Riaz and Saeed Ajmal be kept out. BCCI should come out with a plan to enable the participation.

Rakib | 13 years ago | Reply Afridi did what best he could for his country and now it is time he took care of himself & his mates. What belongs to God belongs to God but what belongs to Ceaser must belong to Ceaser. Afridi's present level of popularity or otherwise with Indians is not the issue. In fact, the controversy would be the joy of any marketing man associated with IPL. Wisdom of the Amphitheatre says that the most popular Gladiator need not always be the most likable one...The hated one too is often the most loved, albeit perversely, by a jaded public looking for excitement & watching with vicarious fascination. His demolition can cause a collective release! Therein too lies the secret of love of Indian public for the then enfant terrible Shoaib Akhtar. From Indian point of view also he & his pals should be most welcome. The attraction has dimmed out of IPL along with Lalit Modi. World of flamboyant businesses are created by (allegedly) corrupt Modis, not by innocent Hazares. With Australians and Englishmen walking out of IPL (except old retired ones like Warne & Gilchrist) only hope for the Franchisees to stay afloat is to bring in, apart from SAs, Sri Lankans & Bangladeshis, the Pakistani players. ..IPL will have no choice but to eat the humble pie and depend on Neighbours.. At least a fresh-start can be made for the next edition for which the grounds are being prepared with the blessings of IPL management and that is how this interview must have taken place. Afridi in fact should be thanked by IPL-management for providing a face-saving opportunity for Auctioneers & Franchisees. I wouldn't be surprised if old goats Manohar,Srinivasan & Amin actually set him up to speak to an Indian news service (PTI) for this purpose. Shah Rukh will be the first to take the hint. The Show, as they say, must go on, irrespective of size of the heart. .

Indian | 13 years ago | Reply Now we understand the reason behind his quote "Indians have small hearts"... wanna be in IPL for kafir's money.....

Shafi | 13 years ago | Reply Boom Boom has gone crazy. He doesnt remember what he said a year ago !

Pepe Chareetur | 13 years ago | Reply After Pakistan's defeat in the 2011 ICC World Cup at the hands of the Indian team Afridi had plenty of negative comments to make about India, its people, its press and what not. How come all of a sudden he wants to come back and play in the same country he criticised less than a fortnight ago!

CB Guy | 13 years ago | Reply I think he should have taken a break form media interviews after the world cup to get some rest and be in a relaxed state of mind. His comments towards India i am sure were based on annoyance from Indian media but also partly coz of his fatigue. Quite possibly the case of saying one thing and putting out another. Anyhow, i find it to be a needless thing to expect that Pakistani players will be playing in IPL anytime soon. The bias has always remained between the two countries and I do not see it changing anytime soon. May be its high time that PCB starts finding sponsors and built a mega event of its own. Something to cheer the local crowds and allowing the return of main stream cricket back in the country.

Asit | 13 years ago | Reply Yes last year he was the one who said Pak players should never play IPL after the snub/insult and so on... Now he sees the riches in IPL going missing and there is no way but to beg and play IPL!

John | 13 years ago | Reply He is becoming a politician. He should keep his mouth shut for awhile, if IPL has to consider PAK players. With so many talented players in India, why should IPL even has to think about Afridi's team mates, at least for now?

Karim Lala | 13 years ago | Reply What happened to Ghairat?? Gone in a week!!

Naila | 13 years ago | Reply Afridi, be a man of character. Don't flip flop like a politician. Make up your mind where you stand. On one hand you criticize Indians for whatever reasons.... highly undiplomatic. You then back paddle your comments, and now you want to go back to the same country whom you state has no genorisity of spirit. Sri Lanka lost to India in the FINALS, yet not one single negative statement from any team member. There was no reason for you as an ambassador of Pakistan to be so undiplomatic. It's people like you who give their country a bad name.

Blithe | 13 years ago | Reply Frankly, Afridi is not a captain material. He is defensive and in the field (even a bowler like Shoaib does not get a slip). He does not know how to rotate bowlers (eg. Sohail Tanveer in New Zealand). He has no clue to manage the power play or use his batsmen (like the way he keep promoting himself ahead of Razzaq). He has no clue how to manage his own innings (leave alone manage a team). The worst is that he complains and nags about his team-mates in public (he descibed that tallest bowler ever on debut: “I am really dissapointed with that guy”). In this case he realy lacks character. At the same time, I love his energy levels and I think he is great individual performer, not as cpatain.

Kabir | 13 years ago | Reply Keeping in mind the kind of talent Pakistani cricketers have, it will add to the adorableness of the IPL if they are made a part of it again. And also there cant be any disagreement with Afridi’s view that the relations between the two great cricketing nations consequently will improve. There are black sheeps in every community and nation hence there should not be any prejudice with the other athletes.

Cricketlover | 13 years ago | Reply Keeping in mind the kind of talent Pakistani cricketers have, it will add to the adorableness of the IPL if they are made a part of it again. And also there cant be any disagreement with Afridi's view that the relations between the two great cricketing nations consequently will improve. There are black sheeps in every community and nation hence there should not be any prejudice with the other athletes.

Ducky | 13 years ago | Reply Wow, wow, this is getting embarrassing by the second. Is he suffering from short term memory loss? Please, for Allah's sake, get some rest!

J. Oberoi | 13 years ago | Reply Lala, you are suffering from schizophrenia. I think you kinda lose it every other day. You badmouth the Indians one day and you ask them to include you guys for the IPL, the next. After what you said about the Indians, there will be riots in India if Pakistanis play in the IPL. I have always been sympathetic to Pakistani cricket but your comments changed everything.

obi | 13 years ago | Reply how can he say dis??? Dis is soo stupd!!!!!! We pakistanis do have some dignity left dat we wont allow ourselves to b rejectd n insulted lik dat!! I think last IPLs insult wasnt enuff for afridi sahab... Dese r pointless reasons dat itl ease tensions... Did he think abt da cost of doing dat??? India ke samne aur kitna girre ge hum?? Jus co afridi n co wants to cash-in on da chabce!!

palvasha von Hassell | 13 years ago | Reply Absolutely right, Afridi. I'm sure bigots and fanatics will be against this initiative, but should we be doing what bigots and fanatics want?!

praveen | 13 years ago | Reply Just Crazy. I think Afridi has gone nuts. He is doing a series of comedy of errors. PCB must just gag him. ho ho. ....... The news has just broke in indian media and already thousands of comments, and over 99.5 percent of people verdict is keep pakistani cricketers out of IPL and keep IPL clean. Afridi u just lost it man

Replying to X