IPL snub: Pak threatens to respond in 'befitting manner'

Islamabad, Jan 21 (PTI) Angry over perceived IPL snub
to its cricketers, Pakistan has threatened to respond in a
"befitting manner", saying the manner in which its players
were "insulted" showed that India is not serious about the
peace process.
"India or any other country that does not give respect
to Pakistan will be treated the same way by us. If there is a
desire to improve Indo-Pak friendship, respect should be given
to Pakistani sportspersons," Interior Minister Rehman Malik
was quoted as saying in the TV channels.
Twenty20 champions Pakistan was stunned after none of
the country's 11 players, including current Twenty20 captain
Shahid Afridi who had played for Deccan Chargers in the first
season, were signed up during the Indian Premier League (IPL)
auction on Tuesday.
"The manner in which the players were "insulted"
showed that India is not serious about the peace process with
Pakistan," Malik claimed.
Sportspersons are ambassadors of peace and India
should have treated them with respect, he said, adding that
Pakistan will respond in a befitting manner.
Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani was also too critical of
the treatment meted to the Pakistani players.
"The way India behaved with us is highly condemnable.
We will give a befitting reply to them. When there is a
question of Pakistan's pride we are united," he added. PTI RHL
AHM