PCB to knock at ICC's door over IPL 'humiliation'

Lahore, Jan.23 (ANI): Angered over the Indian Premier League (IPL) snub, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to file a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the issue.

Describing the issue as a 'serious' one, Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani said he was shocked to see that Pakistani players, who are T20 World Champions, were treated in such a manner at the IPL auction.

"How can they (IPL franchises) avoid bidding for players from the world champion team? The IPL may be a private and commercial enterprise but this issue involves the pride of a nation and we are going to pursue it with the ICC," The Daily Times quoted Jakhrani, as saying.

Meanwhile, IPL chairman Lalit Modi has denied any conspiracy against Pakistani cricketers and blamed the media for the hue and cry over the issue.

"The media is biased. No one talks about the players from countries like Australia, Canada and Zimbabwe not being picked in the auction. There was no preconceived conspiracy to leave Pakistan players," Modi said.

As many as 66 international players had registered themselves for 11 available slots for the third season of the T20 extravaganza.

Exciting all-rounder Shahid Afridi and left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir came under the hammer but had no takers during the auction held in Mumbai earlier this week. (ANI)