Shah Rukh Khan, bollywood superstar and owner of the IPL’s “Kolkata Knight Riders” team has came out in support of Shoaib Akhtar saying that the Pakistani fast bowler should play in the IPL.

“We would stand by him during his hearing. He gets cleared, he will be on the board of the team and play. I have been assured that in a few days if the appeal is upheld, things go right. We are still hoping that it goes right. Otherwise I think IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has also clarified to us that we would be allowed an opportunity if the other seven teams agree to go for another player,” said Khan.

He, however, added: “As far as the legality is concerned, as long as Indian Premier League (IPL), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), International Cricket Council (ICC), all of them decide that you cannot have a player play, we cannot go against that.”

“Knight Riders are preparing for the D Day. We will try to win as many games as possible. I think IPL matches don’t have international status. I don’t know why he should not play for IPL. He is important for IPL,” Shah Rukh added.

Shoaib had been signed up for the Kolkata team in the eight-team franchise league, promoted by the BCCI and endorsed by all major national boards.

On Friday, Shoaib filed an appeal against a five-year ban imposed on him by the PCB.

Categories: Sports
Tags: BCCI, bollywood, IPL, Shoaib, sports_business, SRK