Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar on Tuesday said he would like to play for Kolkata Knight Riders if the Pakistani cricketers are allowed to play in the second edition of the Indian Premier League.

“I still harbour hopes of playing in the Indian Premier League as it has now been shifted out of India. It is very disappointing that the IPL is shifted out of India because there are very few places which can match the glamour of India as a cricket venue,” Shoaib told cricketnirvana.com.Shoaib drew a huge fan following while playing for the KKR in the inaugural edition but a knee injury curtailed his first stint but not before he played a winning role against Delhi Daredevils.

This time around Shoaib is fitter as he gears up to face Australia at United Arab Emirates.

“I am fitter than before. The knee has responded well to the treatment and I am getting back into rhythm in the National one-day Cup,” Shoaib who was visibly upset last week after his father underwent a major bypass operation.

“I was very upset. I love my father and mother so I cannot see them on the hospital bed. My Abba (Father) had to undergo a major bypass operation and I was with him all the time in the hospital. In fact I got the news of the IPL shift in the hospital,” said Shoaib.

On the chances of Pakistani playing in the IPL II, Shoaib said that it will all depend on the franchises.

“If the franchises want then all the Pakistani players can feature in the event. Pakistani players have that charisma to attract crowds. We were loved by Indian fans and although the 26-11 incidents hit our relations badly, I feel things are coming back to normal.”

“I have talked to some of the players and they are willing. It all depends on the IPL. This is one of the most popular event and all of us would love to play in it,” he added.
Source – cricketnirvana.com