Mohammad Irfan awaits NOC from Pakistan board

Mohammad Irfan, the Pakistan fast bowler, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, who are awaiting the governing council's new regulations for international player contracts. By applying for an no-objection certificate (NOC) from the PCB, Irfan will only strengthen his case should new regulations - and the political climate - allow Pakistan players to participate in the IPL. Irfan's MOU also contains a clause under which he stands to get $10,000 from Kolkata as compensation, should the stalemate around Pakistan's involvement in the IPL continue. His proposed contract with the franchise is worth $75,000.

"All the formalities of the deal with Kolkata Knight Riders have been finalised, but now I require a NOC from the [Pakistan] board to finalise the deal," Irfan told PTI. Irfan is currently in England as part of Pakistan's one-day squad for the five-match ODI series.

Irfan impressed Kolkata with his performances on their development tour of Sri Lanka and had been recommended to the franchise by Wasim Akram, Kolkata's bowling consultant. Nearly seven foot tall, Irfan, who is among the tallest cricketers in the world, said he was looking forward to playing for Kolkata. "I'm very happy to have such a huge opportunity, and playing in the IPL is without doubt a great opportunity to do something big on the international stage."

No Pakistan player was part of the IPL auction in 2009 but it was their absence from the 2010 auction that was more contentious and troubled. The players were cleared to be part of the auction pool but none of the franchises bid for any of them, ostensibly concerned about player availability because of strained ties between the governments of India and Pakistan.

"I don't know about the past," Irfan said, "but I am following a proper procedure to secure the deal."