Pakistan's cricketers will miss the next edition of the Indian Premier League due to a delay in securing visas for the lucrative Twenty20 event in India, IPL chief Lalit Modi said Tuesday. “We have been informed by the Pakistan Cricket Board that they have not been able to obtain the visas as of now,” Modi told local media. “Pakistan's players are out and will not be allowed to take part in the next IPL. We are informing the teams that they can now go for replacement of Pakistan players.” The deadline for completing all formalities, including obtaining visas for the March 12-April 25 event, was Monday since the transfer window opens Wednesday, Modi said. Pakistani cricketers took part in the IPL's inaugural season in April-May 2008, but were denied permission by Islamabad to play in the second edition earlier this year due to growing political tensions with India. Five Pakistan cricketers – Umar Gul, Sohail Tanvir, Abdul Razzaq, Misbahul Haq and Kamran Akmal – have existing contracts with IPL franchises. Contracts of seven other Pakistanis, including Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar, were terminated by the respective franchises after the inaugural edition. Pakistan players were expected to be hot property for the franchises competing in the third edition after the national team won the World Twenty20 tournament in England in June. Aussies fight for a draw Hosts Australia fought for a draw against West Indies in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval Tuesday. West Indies set Australia 330 for win after Man of the Match Chris Gayle carried his bat with 165 to lift his team to 317 in the second innings. Australia then weathered a Bravo storm (3-37) to reach 212 by close. Scores: West Indies 451 and 317. Australia 439 and 212-5 (Watson 48, Carke 618).
