Shoaib set to join Indian Premier League

Shoaib Akhtar is set to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has sought permission from Pakistan's cricket authorities.

"I have been approached by the Indian Premier League and I have applied for permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board to sign the contract," Akhtar told AFP on Saturday. "I have always liked the Indian crowd and have always loved to play in India. Hopefully I will be in the Pakistan team for next month's tour there and will also play in the league."

Mohammad Yousuf, the Pakistan middle-order batsman, and eight Sri Lankan cricketers, including Muttiah Muralitharan and Mahela Jayawardene, have already signed with the IPL.

The IPL - sanctioned by the International Cricket Council - is a Twenty20 competition scheduled to be launched next April. It will offer US$3 million in prize money and feature eight franchises participating in a 56-game season. The top four teams will then face off in the semi-finals, with the winners contesting the championship match.