Calling the reactions from Pakistan on the non-auction of Pakistani players as unfortunate, New Delhi today asked Pakistan to introspect on the reasons putting strain on the relationship between the two countries. The statement comes following sharp reactions from the neighboring country on the non-selection of Pak players at IPL auction. Earlier, talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, Foreign Affairs Minister Mr S M Krishna said that the government had no interference in the procedures of IPL which is a commercial enterprise.<br/><br/>Rubbishing reports that tech players were not taken in the auctions because of the of the fear that they will not get visas, Mr Krishna said that such apprehensions are totally misplaced. The Minister's reaction came after Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik remarked that the manner in which the players were "insulted" showed that India was not serious about the peace process. The release adds that visas have already been given to 17 Pakistani players based on a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board at a short notice to participate in IPL 2010.<br/><br/>Speaking on the same lines, Sports Minister Dr M S Gill said that the ministry has never issued any advisory against picking cricketers from the neighboring country.
News On AIR | January 21, 2010 8:56 PM
Non-auction of players: India asks Pak to introspect reasons behind souring of bilateral relations