Pakistan Cricket Board concerned over Indian T20 League franchises acquiring foreign T20 League teams

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its concern over Indian T20 League franchise owners acquiring teams in different T20 Leagues. These groups have acquired teams in SA20 (South Africa's new T20 League) and International T20 (UAE). In fact, all six teams in South Africa have been taken up by team owners from the cash-rich league. On the other hand, half of the teams in ILT20 are owned by Indians.

These developments have raised concerns of PCB chairperson, Ramiz Raja, who feels that their players might not get enough opportunities in these leagues. His concerns might have also risen due to the fact that no Pakistan player was bought in the SA20 player auction. Also, in the ILT20, only one Pakistan player, Azam Khan was signed by Desert Vipers. It is to be noted that the players aren't officially banned from these leagues.

The only T20 League they can't play is the Indian T20 League. They played for the first and last time in 2008. The 26/11 terrorist attack in 2008 led to strained relationships between India and Pakistan on a political level. This also meant that the Pakistan players were banned from the league and it remains even today. However, the readers might say that the concern might not be a big deal. After all, some of the owners in the league have signed Pakistan players.

Pakistan players have played for teams owned by India T20 League team owners

In 2017, leggies, Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah turned up for the eventual champions, Trinbago Knight Riders. The team is owned by Red Chillies Entertainment which also owns a Kolkata-based team. Not to forget, Azam Khan has turned up for Barbados Royals in the last couple of seasons. The team is owned by Manoj Badale, who also owns a Jaipur-based team. Last year, Wahab Riaz turned up for St Lucia Kings, owned by Ness Wadia group that also runs the Punjab team. Also, not to forget, Fatima Sana also turned up for Barbados Women's team this year.