The BCCI is trying to isolate Pakistan players: Iqbal Qasim.—File photo

KARACHI: Keeping in mind national dignity, Pakistan players should not even pay any heed to lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) competition who have ignored them for the third successive edition, says former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim.

“If they [Indians] are not considering our players, then it is not only that they have ignored the Pakistan players, who are ambassadors of the nation, they have ignored the whole [Pakistani] nation. Therefore, I would advise our players to forget about the IPL and not to consider themselves as alienated,” former Test spinner Iqbal insisted.

He added the BCCI was trying to isolate Pakistan players and by calling themselves 'alienated' or 'untouchables' they were confirming that the BCCI had achieved its goal.

“If they have ignored us, then we must pay them in their own coin by not paying any heed to them as well,” Iqbal emphasised.

“Moreover, Pakistani people do not have any interest in the IPL because there wouldn't be any of our players [playing] there,” he said.

The former selector also said it was the prerogative of the BCCI, whether to invite foreign players or not so there was no need for Pakistan cricketers to be disappointed.”

Iqbal said Sri Lankan board had shown great sign of friendship with Pakistan by saying that Pakistan players would feature in its (Sri Lankan) premier league.

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