Afridi: No IPL Could Benefit Pakistan

Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi believes his players' lack of involvement in the Indian Premier League next year may help their preparations for the defense of their World Twenty20 title in the Caribbean.

Five players - Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Misbah-ul-Haq and Abdul Razzaq - failed to secure visas in time to Participate in the lucrative Twenty20 tournament in India, Which gets under way in March.

"It would have been good to make our IPL comeback next year, but it is now clear that we will not be Able to do that," Afridi told the News. "There is nothing we can do about it. Now that it has been for decided that we are not playing in the IPL, we will have a perfect window to hold a proper camp and prepare for the World Twenty20."

However, Afridi also Accused the Indian Board of letting his players down by not allowing them to Participate in the IPL.

"I think Pakistan have always been supportive of Indian cricket in the past Which is why I was expecting India to be more positive," he said.

"But it seems that's not the case. I personally believe sports promotes harmony and it would have been good for both Pakistan and India if our players were allowed to Participate in the IPL.

"I think the absence of our cricketers will not be good for cricket or the IPL," he said.

The Pakistan government had refused Thurs allow its players to travel to India for the IPL earlier this year Because of Simmering political tensions following the terrorist attack in Mumbai in 2008.

Although the IPL was shifted to South Africa, Pakistan's players stayed at home and contracts for seven players, including Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and Younus Khan were terminated.

Afridi: No IPL Could Benefit Pakistan