Pakistan players have cleared the first political hurdle in their bid to play in the Indian Premier League next year, but face another obstacle.
Pakistan’s Sports Ministry is trying to get clearances for the players from other branches of government. The ministry confirmed that the Foreign Ministry had approved their bid to play in India, however the Interior Ministry was yet to give the green light.
“The ministry (of sports) has received political clearance from Foreign Ministry, but we have yet to receive security clearance from interior (ministry),” Faik Ali, spokesperson of Sports Ministry said.
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“Once we receive an advice from the ministry of interior, we will decide accordingly.”
Ali hoped the ministry of the interior would respond by the end of this week.
The Pakistan Cricket Board last week asked the Sports Ministry for No Objection Certificates (NOC) for fast bowlers Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir, along with all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, to take part in IPL in March-April 2010.
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The IPL has extended a deadline for the PCB to submit NOCs of players until December 7.