Lalit Modi says auction only way for Pakistani cricketers to play IPL

Mumbai, Dec 11 (ANI): Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Lalit Modi has said that Pakistan players under contract with IPL clubs need to go through the auction process, to play in the 2010 season.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, Modi said: "There is an auction coming up on January 19. If there are spots open at the auction point. They can then apply through the auction".

He denied any likelihood of changes in the present system to host the Pakistani players.

"As far as reversing these contracts is concerned, it's a very difficult system because we have a system in place. And we can't abuse the system. And everybody was given a fair chance to be able to go out there and prove their case and also present their NOC (No Objection Certificate) and letters. As they have missed the deadline, the teams have replaced these players and signed new contracts. So there are contractual obligations that come into place," he said.

Modi's statement comes at a time when Foreign Ministry is clearing visa applications of Pakistani cricketers Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Gul, Kamran Akmal and Sohail Tanvir.

IPL teams, Bangalore Royal Challengers have secured South Africa's Roelof van der Merwe in place of Misbah while Carl Langeveldt has replaced Gul at Kolkata Knight Riders.

As for the team of Rajasthan Royals, Akmal and Tanvir have been preferred in place of Johan Botha.

The third edition of the IPL is scheduled to be held in India in March-April next year. (ANI)