The prospect of Pakistan players participating in the Indian Premier League next year appears remote after IPL chairman Lalit Modi indicated they could only participate if they are bought at next month's auction.
The government of India yesterday cleared visas for four Pakistan players with existing contracts with IPL franchises, but Modi said they would have to sit it out as they had failed to meet a December 7 deadline.
The only way Sohail Tanvir, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Gul and Kamran Akmal could now participate is if the teams require replacements.
"The contracts of the four players were suspended (after they missed the deadline) and yesterday, the teams were allowed replacements for players who would not be a part of the squad," Modi said.
"The teams have already signed new contracts with other players. The Kolkata Knight Riders have replaced Umar Gul with Charl Langeveldt, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have replaced Misbah-ul Haq with Roelof van der Merwe.
"There have been replacements in the Rajasthan Royals (with whom Akmal and Tanvir are contracted) also.
"It is a very difficult process to reverse the new contracts. We have a system in place and we cannot abuse the system.
"So the contracts of players already contracted will be kept in suspension because they have not fulfilled their obligations.
"They will be available to the franchise only if they have a spot available and need a replacement."
Modi, however, said other Pakistan players can participate if they make themselves available for next month's auction.
"The way the auction pool works is that the franchises have to forward us the name of players they are interested in.
"At present, 140 players are eligible for auction.
"The number will be pruned to about 40 or 50 depending on whom the franchises are interested in.
"Pakistan's players can apply for the auction now," he said.
The deadline for applying for the auction is December 31.
