28 January,2010 07:58 AM IST | | A Correspondent
Contrary to some media reports that he has done a U-turn, Shahid Afridi clarified that he would not be playing in the 2010 Indian Premier League following the auction snub. In fact, he has decided to skip the multi-million dollar Twenty20 Champions League. Afridi played for South Australia in the Twenty20 Big Bash competition team and played a starring role in their qualification for the Champions League.
"There is no question of me playing in the Indian Premier League this year. Not only the players are upset, the whole of Pakistan is upset. In fact I have decided not to participate in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament too," Afridi told MiD DAY from Perth yesterday.
None of the Pakistani players were bought during the IPL auction.
"Even the Indians whom we are meeting in Australia have been sympathetic and agree that we have been treated badly," said Afridi.
"The IPL is a small thing, but the India-Pakistan cricket relation is very important for world cricket in general as well. India versus Pakistan is like the Ashes," he added.
"In the past cricket has acted as a bridge between India and Pakistan, but this time because of this issue, the relations have almost reached a point of no return which is not a good thing for both neighbours. Neighbours are there to share each others happiness and sorrow. If India takes one step we are ready to take 10 steps.
Personally, I would love to play in India in future because I have a huge fan following there," said Afridi.
