A number of players from some top Kabaddi playing nations, including Pakistan stars, went under the hammer during the Pro Kabaddi League 2017 auction on Monday. Unfortunately, there were no takers for any of the 10 Pakistan players in the auction list.
Ahead of the Pro Kabaddi League 2017, Sports Minister Vijay Goel issued a statement, which must have disappointed the Pakistan players as well as the franchises, who might have had to make some last minute changes in the light of Goel's statement.
"They (organisers) can call them but they can't make them play. Even if they are selected, it is the Government of India which will decide whether they are allowed or not. Unless Pakistan gets rid of terrorism, it is impossible to play with Pakistan," Goel told reporters.
The statement from the sports minister does not come as a surprise after the diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have come unstuck. The message to the Pakistan has always been - stop terrorism, and you are welcome in India.
Earlier, Pakistan wrestlers were denied visas by the Indian High Commission to participate in the Asian Wrestling Championship.
Pakistan cricketers have also met the same fate in the past. After featuring in the first edition of the IPL in 2008, they have not been allowed to play in India since the Mumbai Terror attack.
