LAHORE - While mystery still surrounds all-rounder Abdul Razzaq’s participation in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) third season, former and present Pakistani cricketers are a divided lot over the issue.

While former skippers Ramiz Raja and Aamir Sohail feel that Razzaq should move forward and play in the IPL, batting legend Zaheer Abbas has termed the IPL’s offer to Razzaq a ‘gimmick’.

Razzaq has reportedly received offers from both the Deccan Chargers and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

“This is just a formality. They wanted to show the world that they have picked a Pakistan player. They have chosen a player whose place is not guaranteed even in the national team. They could have chosen a deserving player. Anyways I don’t believe in any such proposal until IPL issues a statement,” Abbas said.

However, former opener Aamir Sohail said the offer was a step forward in dousing the fire.

“It was sad the way our cricketers were excluded. But in the same way it is nice to know that Razzaq has been offered a contract. It’s a beginning as you have to start from somewhere,” The Daily Times quoted Sohail, as saying.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said it is upto Razzaq to decide whether he wants to participate in the cash-rich T20 league or not.

“It’s now up to Razzaq to decide now. We are deeply hurt whatever happened during the auction. We did not expect this from India,” Kaneria said. (ANI)