IPL would feel the loss if Modi goes: Afridi

Published Wed, Apr 21 10 10:40 AM

Karachi, Apr 21 (PTI) Under-fire IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has found support from an unlikely quarter in Pakistan''s Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi, who feels the cash-awash event would be at loss if the man who launched it goes. "I don''t know what will happen tomorrow but I feel that if Modi goes then the IPL will feel his loss because he played a big part in conceiving it and launching it," Afridi said. Modi is facing an Income Tax Department probe for alleged financial irregularities and there is intense speculation that he would be either axed or asked to put in his papers in the IPL governing council meeting on April 26. Meanwhile, on his own chances of competing in the IPL in future, Afridi, who had felt insulted at being ignored by the franchisees this year, did not rule out the possibility in case of being approached. "I have not entirely ruled out the IPL, but my foremost criteria is that if we (Pakistani players) are shown the same respect as players from other countries then I can play in the IPL," he told ''Geo Super'' channel. Afridi was among the dozen Pakistani cricketers who were not bid for at the IPL players'' auction in February which led to strong protest from the Pakistan cricket community, Board and government. Afridi said what happened in the players auction was avoidable and unpleasant. "But one has to move on and the situation can change quickly and I have always believed that sports can play a big role in bridging gaps between Pakistan and India," he added. Afridi also spoke on the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies where Pakistan will defend its title. "I think we have a team that is capable of doing well even without key players. It is true we have lost leading players to the PCB punishments and to injuries but the replacement players are also good and they can deliver for the country," he said.

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