Chargers deny buying Abdul Razzaq

Confusion reigned supreme over Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq's partcipation in this year's Indian Premier League as Deccan Chargers denied signing him amid reports that the player has been roped in as a substitute.

The former Indian Cricket League recruit was reportedly signed up by the Chargers as a replacement for injured West Indian pacer Fidel Edwards but the franchise denied the reports.

"We don't have a slot and I am denying it," Venkat Reddy, Vice President (Operations) Deccan Chargers, told PTI.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said DC just don't have any money left with them to rope in a new player.

"Currently, only Rajasthan Royals can have a slot. Deccan Chargers don't have any money. Only way to bring a new player is through injury replacement. But for that, the IPL governing has to be convinced that the injured player won't come back for even a single match," Modi said.

Earlier, sources close to Razzaq said the veteran all-rounder and Chargers had reached an agreement.

"The contract has been finalised and it should be announced soon," one source said. Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi had appeared for the Chargers in the first IPL season in 2008.

After being snubbed at the the auction, Pakistani cricketers had alleged that they were deliberately humiliated by the IPL franchises, a charge that later snowballed into a political controversy.

Pakistan's minister Ejaz Jakhrani even called on the Indian government to hold an inquiry into the IPL's conduct in the matter. Indian sports minister M S Gill yesterday said the IPL had faulted and he would like to see Pakistani players in action in the coming season.

However, when contacted Razzqa said he has got a verbal offer from Deccan Chargers and is also in talks with the Kolkata Knight Riders for a possible contract to play in the third Indian Premier League.

Razzaq said he has spoken to PCB chairman Ejaz Butt about the matter and would go by what the government and board decides.

"Yes they (Deccan Chargers) have contacted me verbally but I asked them to send me a proper contract which I can show to the cricket board for clearance," Razzaq told PTI.

Razzaq said he had met with the Chairman of the cricket board Ejaz Butt on Tuesday and discussed the offer with him.

"The Chairman told me clearly that until and unless the IPL franchise sends a written contract I should not commit myself to anything," the allrounder said. He said he had also been in discussion with the Kolkatta Knight Riders over a possible signing for the coming season.

"That is the factual position but now I am waiting for a written offer and contract from the IPL franchise before I can reach a decision. "But any decision would be based on clearance from the government and board," Razzaq said.

He also made it clear that he and other Pakistani players were still hurt over the snub they got at the IPL auction last week. "But if a concrete offer comes by it is worth a consideration," he added.