The IPL returns to India. The auction ignoring pakistani players just added the masala it needed to kick start India's biggest cricketing event of the year. The IPL franchises ignored pakistani players giving rise to some interesting discussion........
Did Indian government have a say?
The government has been diplomatic and assured the world that it played no part in the auction. To be fair the government and BCCI did their best to clear all formalities and legal obstacles for participation of pakistani cricketers. To be all forgiving and embracing your neighbors is the right thing to do but 26/11 passions are running high among the masses. Inviting players from Pakistan in such an atmosphere is a risky thing to do. IPL being a global event security of players is of prime importance. BCCI based IPL claims to be an independent organization but it heavily depends on the government for security and peaceful conduct of matches. An emotionlly charged individual or group can create enough trouble to spoil the event and endanger its future.
Did franchise's ignore pakistan ?
Publicity,advertisements and marketing is the only language the franchises understand. Bidding for a pakistani player can have adverse effects on their brand image among the indian audiance who frankly consider cricket to be more than a sport.
I feel sad for not being able to see pakistani players participating in IPL3 coz they had some very exciting new cricketers. The franchises made a sensible decision to avoid complications arising from current India -Pakistan hostility. With time, will come better relations and Pakistani cricket in IPL.
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