No Pak cricketer in IPL second season: PCB

Karachi, Mar.25 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear that no Pakistani player would take part in second edition of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) even though it has been shifted out from India to South Africa.

"We know that some players really want to play in the IPL but I don't think that they would be a part of it this year. They may be included in the league next year but not now. These are the harsh realities of life," The News quoted PCB's Chief Operating Officer, Saleem Altaf, as saying.

Following the shift in the venue, several Pakistan cricketers expressed their desire to play in the cricketing extravaganza, as earlier their government had barred them from visiting India due to escalation in tension in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Speedster Shoaib Akhtar too had shown his interest in the league saying: "For me, it is not over till it's over. I haven't given up. It's up to the franchises. If they call upon my services, I will provide them."

PCB chief Ijaz Butt had earlier said that he would contact the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) to facilitate the participation of the players in the league, but now it seems that there would no Pakistani fireworks during the IPL's second season in South Africa. (ANI)