Boycott of Pak Cricketers in IPL Not at Govt’s Behest: Krishna
Dismissing Pakistan’s allegation that its cricketers were ignored for IPL at the behest of government of India, External Affairs Minister has said that Islamabad should draw a line between government programmes and private events, reported PTI.
“Government has nothing to do with IPL, on selection of players and various exercises that are connected with it. So, Pakistan will have to draw a line between where Government of India is connected and where Government of India is an actor,” he was quoted as saying.
The minister made the statement in response to a query about Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik’s remarks that the manner in which the players were ‘insulted’ showed that India was not serious about the peace process.
Also Krishna’s remarks came following Pakistan’s move against sending any paramilitary delegation to India in protest against the ‘treatment meted out’ to the country’s cricketers in the auction for the Indian Premier League tournament.
Pakistan was stunned when none of its 11 players, including T20 captain Shahid Afridi who had played for Deccan Chargers in the first season, was signed up during the IPL auction on Tuesday.
“India or any other country that does not give respect to Pakistan will be treated the same way by us. If there is a desire to improve Indo-Pak friendship, respect should be given to Pakistani sportspersons,” Malik said.
Fehmida Mirza, Pakistan National Assembly speaker, had said that her country would not send paramilitary delegation to India.
Earlier, main opposition PML-N had said that its members would boycott all official visits to India to protest the perceived snub of the Pakistani cricketers.
