Shoaib Akhtar unlikely to feature in IPL

Lahore, Feb 9 (UNI) Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to feature in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) unless he signs his stipend deed with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Players must obtain a NOC from their respective boards before joining the IPL. However, the PCB can award a NOC oly to those players who are in contract.

''It would be difficult for the Board to extend the NOC to a player who is not in contract,'' a PCB source was qouted as saying by ''The News''.

However, Akhtar, who did not figure in category A of the PCB's central contracts list, is in no mood for a stipend deal with the board.

''I am in no mood to sign the deal with the Board unless they reconsider their decision,'' he said.

The ''Rawalpindi Express'', is reportedly considering to join the second edition of the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL.

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