Pakistan players to play in IPL-II?

Pakistani players may get a chance to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season as at least one of the franchises is keen to have their Pakistani sign-ups to play for them.

Sources close to the players say at least four Pakistani players including Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal could be in line to play for their old franchises in the IPL which is likely to be held in either England or South Africa after being shifted from India.

"Since the IPL is now not being held in India the franchises are thinking about asking for permission from the organisers to bring back their Pakistani players on board for the tournament," one source said.

The source said Kolkatta Knight Riders was one team that had already indicated it wanted pace bowler Umar Gul back while Rajasthan Royals were also eying all-rounder Sohail.

Pakistani players were stopped from going to India to play in the IPL this year by the government after relations with India deteriorated following the Mumbai terror attack in November.

But with the IPL being shifted abroad, even the Pakistan cricket Board has said it would speak to the government and Indian board to find out if Pakistani players can take part in the lucrative competition now.

The IPL franchises either cancelled or suspended contracts of their Pakistani players after the decision of the Pakistan government.

Gul, Tanvir, Akmal and Misbah had their contracts suspended so that their franchises could get replacements. So technically they are still on the rooster of their franchises.

PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt has said he would find out whether their players are still required to play in the IPL after its relocation from India.

"If we get a chance to play why not after all it is a big tournament and there is good money involved. And since it is now not being held in India, I don't see any reason why we should not be allowed to play in the IPL," one senior player said.

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also told a cricket website in an interview that he was hopeful the Pakistanis could get a last minute call up despite the franchises having full players roosters and the commitment of the Pakistan team against Australia from April 22.

"For me, it is not over till it's over. I haven't given up. It's up to the franchises. If they call upon my services, I will provide them," he told the website.