Sad to see Pakistani players not being able to showcase talent in IPL: Shoaib Akhtar

New Delhi: Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has expressed disappointment over the fact that Pakistani players are no more part of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Rawalpindi Express took to Twitter to share a photograph from the initial season when he used to represent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The 40-year-old can be seen celebrating with team owner Shah Rukh Khan in KKR jersey.

Really enjoyed my time in Ipl and in Kolkata Sad to see Pak players are not able2 showcase their talent
1day.. pic.twitter.com/ykOVSYMcxN

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 13, 2016

Pakistani players were part of the inaugural season of the tournament in 2008, but following the Mumbai terror attacks the same year, the Indian government restricted their participation in the tournament from next season onwards.

In 2010, for a change, even though Pakistani players were up for auction, none of the franchises bid for them.

Although Pakistani umpires, commentators and coaches feature in the cash-rich tournament, none of the cricketers have been allowed to play since 2008.