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Pakistani nationals seem to have been suspended from the Indian Premier League (IPL), in the wake of the Mumbai attacks. But Pakistan manages to penetrate the scene one way or the other.
Turning out for Kings XI Punjab, Azhar Mahmood recently became the first Pakistan cricketer to play in the IPL since 2008.
“I don't think the doors were ever closed for professionals from Pakistan to be part of the IPL,” the 37-year-old, now a British citizen said, citing the presence of Pakistani umpires Aleem Dar, commentator Rameez Raja and bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders Wasim Akram in this edition as examples.
Mahmood, who is not a contracted player of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and now holds a British passport, urged the respective boards of India and Pakistan to reconcile the issues that left Pakistani players sidelined.
“I cannot really answer as to why the Pakistan players are still not a part of IPL but I think the PCB needs to look into this,” he added.
It has been more than a decade since Mahmood last played in India, in the Pepsi Cup which Pakistan eventually won, but the all-rounder has fond memories of the country and has fit right into Punjab’s plans in the IPL.
“I played in Mumbai for the first time the other day and the crowd was amazing. I have always loved playing cricket here.”
