Modi denies ‘conspiracy’ against Pak players

Lalit Modi said that there was no “conspiracy” in snubbing Pak players.

Zeecric Bureau

Mumbai: Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi on Friday brushed aside all the allegations by Pakistan, saying that there was no “conspiracy” in Pak players not being picked up for up-coming extravagant Twenty20 League. Attending a press conference with other IPL team owners here, Modi said, “There is no conspiracy theory that is going on – as is being reported in media. The media is biased at times.” “No one talks about the players from countries like Australia, Canada and Zimbabwe being picked in the auction. There was no preconceived conspiracy to leave Pakistani players,” Modi added. A list of 66 players was prepared for the auction, out of which, 11 were from Pakistan. The list of Pak players also included the likes of Shahid Afridi, Kamran and Umar Akmal, who helped the country clinch the ICC World Twenty20 Trophy.None of these players, however, secured a bid in the auction, resulting in severe allegations by Pakistan players, administrators and politicians, as well of a possible conspiracy. According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the players had been given NOCs and clearances from various ministries in the Pak government to participate in the IPL.On the contrary, Rajasthan Royals co-owner and actress, Shilpa Shetty, said franchisees do not have to explain why they didn’t pick up Pakistani cricketers. “I don’t owe any explanation. We are not a small country and the decision was not a contrived one. There is nothing bigger than cricket but everything is getting murky,” Shetty said. “I am very hurt and there have been hate mails also. We have lost some of the greatest players in the world, but why doesn’t anyone talk about Australia, England and so many others who were not picked in the auction?” she added. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik has reportedly said that India could expect similar behaviour from his country for snubbing his country’s cricketers. “I want to make it clear that whether it is India or any other country in the world, their citizens would have to face (the) same behaviour as meted out to our people,” Malik was quoted by Pakistan’s state-run APP news agency as saying on Wednesday. India has dismissed Pakistan’s concerns, saying visas had been issued to 17 Pakistani players. “Pakistan should introspect on the reasons which have put a strain on relations between India and Pakistan, and have adversely impacted on peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” said an External Affairs Ministry on Thursday.