Government denies hand in Akram’s absence

As first reported by the Hindustan Times, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram’s absence from the commentary team for the Champions League was not a move dictated by the Indian government, but ESPN Star Sports' decision to ‘not risk him being denied a visa’.

As first reported by the

HT Image

Hindustan Times

, former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram’s absence from the commentary team for the Champions League was not a move dictated by the Indian government, but ESPN Star Sports' decision to ‘not risk him being denied a visa’.

After Sunday’s reports in Pakistan newspaper Jung that Akram had been sacked on the advice of the Indian government, the UPA government, on Monday, denied any involvement in the development.

Champions League CEO Sunder Raman had on Sunday told the Hindustan Times “The list of commentators that ESPN Star Sports had sent for confirmation didn’t have Akram's name. The Champions League doesn’t feature any team from Pakistan. So, there was no need to have Akram in the commentary team.”

Akram, who is in India for various commitments throughout the year, is expected start his role as the bowling consultant for the Kolkata Knight Riders with a camp in Gurgaon next week.