Shah Rukh hopeful of Shoaib playing in IPL

MUMBAI, April 17 (SAMPURN): IPL Kolkata Knight Riders team is still hopeful that Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar would be able to play the first match of the Indian Premier League.

Bollywood mega star and owner of the team Shah Rukh Khan said, "I am still hopeful that he will be able to play in the first game." He said, "Even if he (Akhtar) can come midway through the tournament, I would like him to play."

It may be mentioned here that Akhtar has been slapped with a five-year ban by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for violating the players' code of conduct.

Shah Rukh said that he had spoken with team coach John Buchanan and captain Sourav Ganguly who had assured him the team would be a balanced one even in Akhtar's absence. "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," he said.

Shah Rukh also announced the team's association with mobile phone company Nokia whose logo would be the central logo on the team's jersey.