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So the Pak cricket players are left in the cold. They are outraged because they still live in the era, where playing for the country is a big deal, and the nation treats them as gods. All that was before cricket was played for money. Once it is pro sport, no one cares for sentiments and reputation. It is no longer a game, but a business.

Sure, even with cold logic, a couple of Pak players would have been really good additions, but clearly it wasnt worth the risk involved. First, the political risk that the likes of Shiv Sena and MNS will create hell should a Pak player have to play in Mumbai, let alone play for Mumbai. And then, Pak players are not renowned for their discipline. Afridi had a run in with the Chargers, and I read Md. Asif had trouble staying sober. But most importantly, what if, God forbid, we have a situation like a Kargil war or 26/11. No team would risk their reputation and be caught dead with a Pak player. The risks and complications were just too much.

So the natural, but incredibly naive, question is, why not state upfront that no Pak players for IPL? Well, the corporate world has its ways. The decision may be made, but the process should have all the trappings of fairness. One thing is for sure. No player or party will be spared this ruthlessness. Even in the last season, we saw team owners clearly outweigh the players in several decisions. And it is only fair.