Pakistan-born British cricketer Azhar Mahmood did not find any buyers in the IPL 2014 player auctions, which has caused some stir among his ardent fans.
Pakistan cricketers were not on offer in the IPL 2014 auctions, but Mahmood, who holds British passport, has represented Kings XI Punjab in the past and was expected to draw some interest among the IPL franchises.
Mahmood tweeted after this rejection, “Surprised with the result at the IPL 4me but not shocked. This is what happens in large auctions, it’s a gamble. All the best to those picked.”
Many fans as well as the Pakistani media were calling foul over his rejection, as it appeared to be a politically motivated decision. Mahmood, however, asked everyone to remain calm on his Twitter account, ”I urge the media not to make this a political case. This is sport and everything is taken on the chin, we sportsman move to the next job.”
Mahmood is 38 and IPL franchises, as it has been proven with former CSK batsman Subramaniam Badrinath, were unwilling to offer a 3-year contract to someone of his age.
