Pakistan bars Afridi, Ajmal and Akmal from Australian league
The trio had all signed up to play in the Big Bash from next month, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they must take part in a domestic Twenty20 event being used to test players ahead of the matches against arch-rivals India.
Afridi was due to play with Sydney Thunder while Ajmal had signed for Adelaide Strikers and Umar for Sydney Sixers but the PCB insisted they gear up at home for the hotly anticipated India tour.
The two sides will meet for two Twenty20 matches and three one-day internationals between December 25 and January 6 - their first full series since 2007.
"Since the Big Bash was clashing with our Twenty20 tournament we have asked the players to feature in the national event so that selectors can check their form and fitness for the selection of the squad for India," PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf told AFP.
Afridi had already offered to feature in the domestic Twenty20 tournament, saying he would forgo his Australian contract to prepare for the India series.
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@Tribal Manto: These 3 players signed for BBL after PCB gave them NOC to play. ET omitted this critical info from its coverage. In other words PCB screwed up.
@Tribal Manto: As if they wont get paid for playing for pakistan..They stand to make more money playing in against India in India.
Democracy is the best revenge.
Let afridi go.......he might get his form back
it's wrong to deprive the players of their livelihood for a false ego play that forces them to perform in Pakistani leagues. PCB is risking morale and goodwill of the players with its hardball play.
Playing for Australian clubs would open a good market for our cricketers. We have other players who can replace the existing one. And there is no honor involved in sports.
Money is everything. It anesthetizes the drive for honour. Money is important but so is your honour boys. Play for your country and be honourable in the eyes of countrymen.