Its great to see IPL season 3 kicking off, but the start has been in news because of controversies (Which are usually a part of iconic events). The role of Indian media has been good (even if it is biased) as they are presenting the Pakistani side as well (Which is not so often expected from their counterparts in Pakistan). When the talk about the government involvement, it becomes hard to believe. In India government hardly involves itself with these issues, as the event is dominated by privately governed bodies. Pakistan really has awesome talent in the sports (I personally, will miss the heroics of Sahid Afridi and Akhtar (if they click)) and particularly in this version of the game; an IPL not featuring them will miss some entertainment no doubts.
From the point of view of the franchise, its not very wise to put millions on someone critical in the your plans but not sure if he will really join your plans. Keeping my fingers crossed, what if a terrorist strike occurs again (which even Pakistan does not guarantee [http://news.in.msn.com/international/article.aspx?page=3&cp-documentid=3564580]). A 2009 will be repeated and none of these million dollar players will feature in the event. Its not just the money but also plans and strategies are at stake. Next big thing, a business is a business, its up to the holding person to decide where to invest and where not, so if they decide not to put the buck at someone, no one has the rights to interfere.
Now lets take up the snubbing issue from another point of view. Assume some one has interfered in the issue (be it government or the governing board, which is too imaginative), the reasons will probably be the security issues or at the zenith; politics. But, if it is as such, better we look at the reasons behind these concerns. Is anyone there who gives his word and keeps them for no anti India activity in Pakistan, bring the perpetrators of the previous terrorist strikes to sentences if no extradition is possible. You cant and should not expect any good return if you are creating problems for them. Trust will always play as the missing element in such situations.
Now finally we look from the other side of LOC. Its really a frustrating for a champion side to have no representation in the most cash piling event. 66 players for 11 positions; tough competition, but 55 had to fail, and unfortunately no one from current champions. Taking it as personal insult or in the worst case national insult can be an emotional decision, and we know how emotional are people in the subcontinent when it comes to India-Pakistan relations or cricket.
Anyway, no further comments, hope to see Pakistan players in next edition of IPL
