Shoaib cannot play in IPL
03 April, 2008
Shoaib Akhtar's troubles continued with the Indian Premier League deciding that he won't be allowed to feature in its tournament till the end of his five-year ban or until his ban is lifted.
"Shoaib has been banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board, and even though they have cleared him to play for IPL, we felt that international discipline needs to be respected," IS Bindra, a member of the IPL governing council, told Cricinfo. "If he can't play for Pakistan, how can we play him? There will be no discipline left in the game, if we play him. It will set an unwanted precedent.
"We [the IPL] want to be part of the international system, not operate outside it. If somebody is banned on disciplinary grounds, that is a serious offense, and we felt it would be very odd if he was to play in IPL."
But Shoaib could play in the IPL if he wins the appeal against his ban. "If he is able to clear the ban and wins the appeal process, he will be allowed to play", Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman, clarified to a private television channel.
A spokesman for the Kolkata Knight Riders confirmed to Cricinfo that they have been informed by the IPL that Shoaib will not be available to play for them. "In this situation, we will abide by the IPL directive as the final availability of a player depends on a clearance from the league."
Courtesy: cricinfo
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