Pakistan All-rounder Shahid Afridi disclosed the fact that Sri Lankan players’ are refusing to tour Pakistan due to Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises threats.
As many as 10 senior players, including captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Lasith Malinga, decided not to tour Pakistan despite assurances of state-level security by the Pakistani authorities.
A video of Afridi is circulating online in which he says Sri Lankan players want to visit Pakistan but Indian Franchises are pressuring them to withdraw.
“Sri Lankan players are under pressure from IPL franchises. I spoke to them last time when there was talk of them coming to Pakistan and playing in PSL. They said they wanted to come, but IPL guys say ‘if you go to Pakistan we won’t give you a contract.'” Boom Boom said in a statement matching his nickname.
Shahid Afridi Srilankan Players who are not Going to Pakistan reason is IPL & IPL Franchise : @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/vc7ob32g3E
— Just a Fan (@iemRahul_) September 20, 2019
Afridi reminded the islanders of Pakistan’s support to them over the years and urged them to reconsider their decision.
“Pakistan has always supported Sri Lanka. It never happened that we had a tour of Sri Lanka and our players were rested. The Sri Lankan board should put pressure on their contracted players to go to Pakistan. Players who come will always be remembered in Pakistan’s history,” he added.
