Indian cyclists not invited for Tour de Pakistan in retaliation against IPL snub

Lahore, Feb. 23 (ANI): In an apparent reprisal of the Indian Premier League's snub to Pakistani cricketers, Islamabad has not invited Indian cyclists to take part in the 15th Tour de Pakistan Race.

Cyclists from Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are participating in the tournament that will pedal off from Peshawar on March 1.

"India has not been invited for the contest," the Daily Times quoted Pakistan Cycling Federation (PCF) official, as saying.

The official added that the PCF didn't invite India for the event in protest over the humiliating treatment meted out to Pakistan cricketers at the IPL auction recently.

"Our cricketers were humiliated in the IPL. So, in protest, we didn't invite India," he added.

A 1655-kilometre race, spread over 11 stages, will start in front of the Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar and terminate in Karachi on March 13 after passing through some major cities of the NWFP, Punjab and Sindh.

NWFP Governor Owais Ghani will inaugurate the event and Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan will be the chief guest.

Elaborate arrangements are being made across the country to ensure foolproof security. (ANI)