Shah Rukh Khan hopeful of Shoaib playing in first IPL match : Bollywood News : ApunKaChoice.Com


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Shah Rukh Khan hopeful of Shoaib playing in first IPL match
17th Apr 2008 09.01 IST
By Agencies

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is still hopeful that Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar would be able to play the first match of the Indian Premier League.

"I am still hopeful that he will be able to play in the first game," the King Khan said at a function in a suburban hotel in Mumbai Wednesday.

The Indian Premium League starts on April 18. SRK also announced the team's association with mobile phone company Nokia whose logo would be the central logo on the team's jersey.

"Even if he (Akhtar) can come midway through the tournament, I would like him to play," SRK, the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, said.

Akhtar has been slapped with a five-year ban by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for violating the players' code of conduct.

SRK said he had spoken with team coach John Buchanan and captain Sourav Ganguly who had assured him the team would be a balanced one even in Akhtar's absence.

"I believe the tribunal is hearing the appeal the day after tomorrow and we are hopeful that the PCB gives him an NOC (No Objection Certificate) and he can play," SRK said.

Despite reports that initial ticket sales at stadiums, where the Indian Premier League matches would be played, were not good, SRK said he was hopeful that they would improve.

"In this case, unlike films, the tickets for the matches will sell even on the day and day before the match. Hopefully, sales will be better in the coming days," SRK added.

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