Aravinth's real world

The inexplicable refusal of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams to recruit Pakistanis for the third edition of the cricket jamboree has taken away from those sportsmen a chance to make big money quickly.

The snub triggered angry protest from the cricketers and the issue has blown it into a diplomatic row between the two neighbours. Most of the Pakistani cricketers could have made more money during the 45-odd days of IPL-III, which kicks off in March, compared to what they earn from international cricket matches and endorsement deals in a full year.

The top four Pakistani players – Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Imran Nazir and Misbah-ul-Haq – could have made between themselves as much as Rs 7 crore had the IPL teams bid for them.

Afridi, who was bought for Rs 1.7 crore in IPL-I by Deccan Chargers, had commanded a base price of Rs 1.15 crore this year. Cricket experts said his price this time could have gone up to at least Rs 3 crore.