Pakistani players ditched by the IPL teams

The IPL Auction took place in Mumbai on Tuesday.Over 60 players went under the hammer with 13 unfilled slots remaining.None of the IPL teams showed any interest in Pakistani players which included the likes of match-winners like Shahid Afridi,Sohail Tanvir.Even Umar Gul,who I consider the world's best T20 bowler,was left unsold.The Pakistani players and PCB officials were understandably angered.The reason which caused this,according to me was the political instability between the the two neighbouring countries.Otherwise,I see no reason not to bid on players of the caliber of Sohail Tanvir and Umar Gul and instead spending on youngsters from South Africa and West Indies.It definitely was very wrong and should not have happened.Even though various franchise owners tried to brush away the controversy,by saying that the availability of Pakistani players was the reason,it definitely seems to be something politically motivated.It is very disappointing to see politics being mixed with sports.PCB Chief Ijaz Butt was obviously disappointed to see the attitude of IPL teams towards Pakistan,who in fact,are the reigning World T20 Champions.I think the IPL will be far less interesting without the Pakistani players.
Meanwhile,Shane Bond and the new 'KP'(Keiron Pollard) fetched jointly highest bid of $750,000.Shane Bond was bought by Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders.While Pollard was bought by Mumbai Indians.Delhi Daredevils invested $610,000 in South African youngster Wayne Parnell who was very impressive in T20 World Cup.Mohammed Kaif was bought by Kings XI Punjab for $250,000.West Indian pacer Kemar Roach who got noticed due to his superb pace and consistency was bought for $720,000 by Hyderabad Deccan Chargers.Punjab also bought Yusuf Abdullah who played for them in the last IPL for $50,000.English batsmen Eoin Morgan was taken by Royal Challengers Bangalore for $220,000.Australians Damein Martyn and Adam Voges wil be playing under Shane Warne for Rajasthan Royals.Chennai Super Kings added yet another useful allrounder to their bank by buying Justin Kemp for $100,000.