Pakistan players all set to be a part of IPL auctions

The decision to resume Indo-Pak bilateral cricketing ties is likely to clear the decks for top Pakistan cricketers to again be a part of auctions in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

After the Working Committee cleared the three ODI and two T20 series against Pakistan, there has been a growing feeling among the BCCI members that Pakistan players should now be allowed to play in the IPL.

A proposal in this regard may be tabled when the working committee meets next.

"It's bad luck that Champions League T20 has been shifted to South Africa or else Sialkot Stallions would have played here before the national team. Now with government also giving go-ahead, the general feeling among members is that Pakistan players should be allowed to be part of next IPL auctions," a senior BCCI working committee member preferring anonymity.

"If you follow the trend, a positive decision will certainly be on cards when the working committee meets next time. It wasn't for any reason that PCB president Zaka Ashraf had been invited to watch the IPL final," the official added.

The Pakistan players were a part of IPL-I with Sohail Tanveer, playing for Rajasthan Royals, getting the 'Purple Cap'.

Shaid Afridi, Umar Gul, Mohammed Hafeez and Umar Akmal will be some of the sought after players if the BCCI agrees to open doors for Pakistan players.