Mohammad Hafeez: Pakistan players missing out on IPL experience

Pakistan’s T20 captain, has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board to sort out the issue of Pakistani players not being allowed to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Pakistan’s T20 stars had featured in the inaugural edition of the IPL but have been kept out of the tournament since the 2009 edition due to bilateral ties between India and Pakistan taking a hit since the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 which originated from Pakistani soil.

“It is strange that for years now Pakistani players have not been allowed to play in the IPL because it is a world class league and there is so much to learn from it,” Hafeez said in an interview to ‘Express’ newspaper.

“I played in the first season of the IPL and I got a chance to share the dressing room with greats like Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Pointing and it was a great learning experience. I believe that what our players are missing out the most is this aspect of playing in the IPL,” he said.

Hafeez also said that he was no longer keeping close tabs on the action at the IPL since the Pakistani players were not part of the tournament.

“It is no use taking interest in a thing you are not part of. But this IPL problem is something that our cricket board should look into and resolve. Because it is a world class event and every player wants to take part in such an event where the big crowds only add to the fun and excitement,” Hafeez added.

The 33-year old all-rounder said that he would personally like to play in the IPL if such an opportunity presents itself.

“My belief has always been to keep politics and sports apart,” he added.

Talking about the upcoming World T20 in Bangladesh next month where his team will face off against India, Australia and West Indies, the skipper said he was not too worried about past performances and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to go all the way.

“I know that we have not performed well against India in ICC events but I believe for good or bad the past should be past. This is a new event and obviously we will go into the match against India with lots of passion and will to win.

“We have beaten all these teams in the past and I think we have a top-class T20 squad that is capable of defeating anyone. So definitely I am not under any pressure because of the strong group or India and I think we can go all the way this time,” Hafeez said.