BCCI official blames IPL franchises for not including Pakistani players

A key statement from a senior official of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has surfaced regarding the possible inclusion of Pakistan cricket team players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the future.

Pakistani cricketers have been absent from the IPL for the past 17 years. In the inaugural edition of the league in 2008, 12 Pakistani players were part of the tournament. However, following the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, the BCCI decided to exclude Pakistani players from the league.

According to media reports, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla recently addressed the matter during a podcast. When asked whether Pakistani players would ever be able to play in the IPL again, Shukla shifted the responsibility onto the franchises.

"We have included Pakistani commentators and umpires in the IPL, but when it comes to players, it depends on the franchises. Franchises do not select Pakistani players, and we do not include them in the auction list," he remarked. 

When asked if any franchises had ever discussed the inclusion of Pakistani players, he responded, "Some franchises have mentioned it, but overall, the circumstances make it difficult to include them."

Rajeev Shukla also commented on the possibility of a bilateral cricket series between the two countries.

"At this moment, we do not have permission from the government. Even organizing a bilateral series at a neutral venue is not allowed," he revealed. 

He emphasized, "We aim to play in each other's countries, but for that, government approval and security clearance are necessary. The attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore changed everything."

Due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani cricketers are not permitted to participate in the IPL. Additionally, the two nations have not played a bilateral series since 2012.