Sohail Tanvir hopeful of playing IPL’s future editions

NEW DELHI - Left-arm Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir has expressed the hope of playing in the future editions of the cash rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

Tanvir, who played for the Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, said he received a lot of respect during the T20 tournament’s first season, during which he emerged as the most successful bowler by taking 22 wickets.

“Definitely. I got lot of respect in the first season. Pakistan cricketers are liked in India. And IPL is an international tournament where a lot of players from different parts of the world take part,” Tanvir said.

“This year also we thought we will be playing. But the night before we were to catch the flight we were told we cannot play,” he added.

Tanvir also praised Rajasthan Royals skipper Shane Warne for his killer instincts on the field.

“Shane Warne is a great captain. He is a fighter,” the pacer said.

Tanvir, who visited India to attend teammate Shoaib Akhtar’s wedding with tennis ace Sania Mirza, said he enjoyed every moment of the marriage.

“I did lot of work too. I got to see how Indian marriages take place,” he said.

When asked whether the cross border marriage would have some good effect on the thorny relationship between India and Pakistan, Tanvir said: “Of course. It’s a union of two stars. It will impact Pakistan-India relations.”(ANI)