IPL snub: Pak threatens to respond in 'befitting manner'

Angry over the perceived Indian Premier League (IPL) snub to its cricketers, Pakistan has threatened to respond in a "befitting manner", saying the manner in which its players were "insulted" showed that India is not serious about the peace process.

"India or any other country that does not give respect to Pakistan will be treated the same way by us. If there is a desire to improve Indo-Pak friendship, respect should be given to Pakistani sportspersons," interior minister Rehman Malik was quoted as saying in the TV channels.

Twenty20 champions Pakistan was stunned after none of the country's 11 players, including current Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi who had played for Deccan Chargers in the first season, were signed up during the IPL auction on Tuesday.

"The manner in which the players were "insulted" showed that India is not serious about the peace process with Pakistan," Malik claimed.

Sportspersons are ambassadors of peace, and India should have treated them with respect, he said, adding that Pakistan will respond in a befitting manner.

Sports minister Ijaz Jakhrani was also very critical of the treatment meted to the Pakistani players.

"The way India behaved with us is highly condemnable. We will give a befitting reply to them. When there is a question of Pakistan's pride, we are united," he added.