Don't treat us as untouchables, Shahid Afridi tells BCCI
New Delhi, April 8
Shahid Afridi feels deeply hurt and has appealed to the Indian Cricket Board that Pakistan players shouldn't be treated as "untouchables" when it comes to including them in the cash-rich Indian Premier League.
"It is high time that Pakistani cricketers should also get a place in IPL. For three seasons including the current one, we haven't been a part of the IPL. We have no problems playing in India as we have just played a World Cup semi-final there. We are deeply hurt that they are treating us like 'untouchables'," Afridi told PTI Bhasha from Karachi.
"I am not saying that I want to play IPL but it could be a great platform for youngsters. They could make a mark for themselves." As many as 11 Pakistan players were part of inaugural season of IPL in 2008.
"Our PM Yusuf Raza Gilani responded in positive on that invitation. Now IPL can be a platform to further ease the tension," he said.
"We should play more and more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce the unwanted media hype surrounded with Indo–Pak matches," he said.
For Afridi, Indo- Pak matches are not war as players of both teams share great rapport off the field.
"On field, yes there are moments of pressure and tension whenever we play but off it, we are all friends. I share great bond with Harbhajan and respect Sachin a lot," said Afridi. — PTI
