IPL snub due to 'variables extraneous to sports': Pak

Miffed at the snub to Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League auction on Tuesday, country’s Foreign Office has accused that the incident was influenced by “variables extraneous to sports”.

The comment came after India’s External Affairs Ministry on Thursday issued a release saying it was unfair to blame New Delhi for non-selection of the Pakistani players in the auction for the cash-awash IPL III.

“It is clear from the press release that the decision to not include Pakistani cricketers was influenced by variables extraneous to sports and the press release is self-explanatory as to why the cricketers were not included in the bidding process,” Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told media.

“It’s ironic that instead of requesting sporting agencies to resolve the issue, India is again engaging in a blame game, point-scoring and continuing its unwillingness to resolve bilateral issues through dialogue and peaceful means,” he added.