Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan is still hopeful of Rawalpindi Express’s participation in the first match of Indian Premier League. King Khan is the owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders team and Sohaib was to play from his team.

 

"I am still hopeful that he will be able to play in the first game."

The Indian Premier League(IPL) Kicks off from Tomorrow.

"Even if he (Akhtar) can come midway through the tournament, I would like him to play," the actor said.

Akhtar at present is banned for five years by the Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) for violating the players’ code of conduct.

The actor made it clear that he had talked this issue with the coach John Buchanan and the skipper Sourav Ganguly and both have assured him that the team is going to be a balanced one even in the absence of Akhtar.

"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," expressed Shah Rukh yesterday.

Shah Rukh also brushed aside the woos regarding the ticket sale’s slow pick up in initial stages, he  was optimistic of ticket sales improving with passing times as the tournament progresses.

"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."