PCB not revoking ban on ICL players to please BCCI: Razzaq

Karachi, Jan 4 (IANS) Former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has taken a swipe at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying it is a puppet in the hands of a powerful Indian cricket board.

Razzaq said in an interview Sunday that the PCB wants to remove a ban on Pakistani cricketers associated with the breakaway Indian Cricket League (ICL) but cannot do it because it was 'helpless' while dealing with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

'We have been trying to get the ban revoked but the PCB can't do it because it cannot displease the powerful Indian board,' said Razzaq, one of the biggest stars of ICL.

Razzaq and other Pakistani players signed up by the ICL are battling to regain the right of playing for the national team and domestic competitions. However, so far they have failed in their efforts.

Razzaq said his future with ICL is in doubt because of the tense relations between India and Pakistan. 'The ICL wants the Pakistan cricketers to continue playing in the league but it can't do that because both governments are putting restrictions on their nationals.'

Speaking on a different issue, Razzaq said he is in favour of Shoaib Malik getting an extension as Pakistan captain. 'Malik has improved his captaincy skills and deserves to continue as skipper.'