Waqar happy Pakistan players not part of IPL

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Waqar Younis. -Photo by AP

WELLINGTON: Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis is more than happy for his players to be missing from the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament.

Aside from the first IPL tournament in 2008, Pakistanis have been shut out of the league, though the exact reasoning remains unclear.

“It's not good for cricketers, I guess, because they are losing out on the financial side, but I always think that, in a way, it helps Pakistan cricket because we can concentrate more on international cricket,” Waqar said.

He added: “The money side of (IPL) is huge. As long as players are keen and they want to do well and respect the fact that they are playing for their country, it's fine with me.

“It's affecting some (countries) and it doesn't seem to be affecting others ... but I'm happy with way things are because our boys are a lot fresher and they really want to do well for Pakistan.”—Agencies

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