In a video interview, Pakistan former skipper Shahid Afridi accused India's cash-rich tournament Indian Premier League for pressurizing and threatening top Sri Lanka cricketers to boycott any tour to Pakistan, else they would cancel their contracts. Adding to his ludicrous claim, Afridi was quoted as saying by a senior Pakistani journalist that he had a chat with some Lankan players, who revealed that they are willing to tour Pakistan and also take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), but IPL threatens them to not give a contract if they do so.


“Sri Lankan players are under pressure from IPL franchises. I spoke to SL players last time when there was talk of them coming to Pakistan & playing in PSL. They said they wanted to come, but IPL guys say if you go to Pakistan we won’t give you a contract,” Afridi was quoted.


After a warning of a terror attack on the Sri Lankan team was received by the Sri Lankan Prime Minister's Office, there were uncertainties over Sri Lanka travelling to Pakistan after some top Lankan players opted out of the Pakistan tour, citing that their families felt uncomfortable and didn't want them to tour Pakistan.

“Pakistan’s always supported SL, it never happened that we had a tour of SL & our players rested. SL’s board should put pressure on their contracted players to go to Pakistan. SL players who’ll come will always be remembered in Pakistan’s history,” Afridi added.


Hours after Afridi's comments, Sri Lankan Cricket Board on Wednesday confirmed Sri Lanka will tour Pakistan after their government had "reaffirmed" its desire to provide the Sri Lanka team with the same level of security afforded to visiting heads of state.

Here's the video...