LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected the claim of its Bangladesh counterpart that the latter sent a request to the former regarding release of its players for the Bangladesh Premier League.

Commenting on the media release issued by the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Jan 18, the PCB spokesman said, “In order to put the record straight, it is sated that the PCB received no request from the Bangladesh Cricket Board regarding release of its players for the auction of BPL.

“It should also be noted that the tour of Bangladesh to Pakistan in April 2008 was an FTP commitment and in no way a favour to the PCB. It is pertinent to mention here that just before that tour, Zimbabwe and South Africa also visited Pakistan.

“As far as the first edition of BPL 2012 is concerned, the PCB cooperated with the BCB after then BCB president Mostafa Kamal made long-term commitments and understandings and requested the PCB to support their league.

“The release of players on part of the PCB was intended to make the inaugural tournament of the BCB a success.

“The PCB values its friendship with the BCB and has always supported the Bangladesh cricket in many ways.

“However, it expects the BCB to reciprocate this support. The PCB respects the people of Bangladesh and wishes well for the development of cricket in their country,” the spokesman concludes.

The PCB did not release its 51 players for the Bangladesh League, which started on Thursday.

In fact, it was a reaction against the decision of the BCB of not sending its national team to Pakistan.