LAHORE: THE Chief Justice Lahore High Court on Tuesday again ordered the Ministry of Sports & Culture to file a reply on a writ petition seeking a ban on exhibition of Indian films in protest against barring Pakistani cricketers from the Indian Premier League (IPL).

On the previous hearing, the CJ had sought the reply from the Ministry of Sports & Culture but no one appeared on behalf of the ministry on Tuesday.

Earlier, counsel of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed the court that the Indian government and its cricket board had extended full cooperation to Pakistani cricketers, as they had granted visas and security clearance to the players.

The counsel pointed out that the IPL was a privately organised cricket tournament and Indian government had nothing to do with its affairs.

The petition was filed by Muhammad Hussain, a citizen, who through his counsel Ishtiaq Ahmed Chaudhry, contended that Pakistan was the world champion in T-20 cricket format but ironically none of the our national players was selected for any IPL team, as owners of all the teams intentionally avoided giving bid for them.

The petitioner said this act caused humiliation not only to the players but to the whole nation while the Indian films were being exhibited throughout the country.

He said Pakistani government should also hold a cricket league on the pattern of IPL, so that Pakistani cricketers and fans could get some relief.

He prayed to the court to ban exhibition of Indian films till its government sought public apology over the humiliation of Pakistani cricketers and nation.
Source: The News
Date:2/10/2010