'We need to be optimistic about resumption of cricket in Pak'

Shukla said there was no campaign or hatred against Pakistan and he himself felt sad that Pakistani players were not featuring in the IPL.

"No one is against Pakistan or Pakistani players in India or else we would not have allowed Pakistani commentators or umpires in the IPL 5 season," Shukla told Geo News channel in an interview today.

"The reality is that everything is tied to the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between the two countries. Once that happens I think everything will happen automatically," he said.

Shukla, who is also the IPL chairman, made it clear that the IPL was a sub-commitee of the BCCI and not an independent body.

"The IPL functions under the BCCI and when bilateral relations resume between the two boards the IPL will also not be a problem for Pakistani players," he said.

Shukla said that BCCI and Pakistan cricket board were in constant touch over the resumption of bilateral ties.

"We are in touch with them and I must say the PCB and its new Chairman have made all the right moves to get the ball rolling. But until something definite happens It would not be proper for me to comment on when we can resume playing cricket again," he said.

Shukla, however, said Pakistani people should be patient and wait for two or three months and some developments will take place.

"If we talk about the Champions League than just wait and see for a few months," he said hinting that Pakistani T20 Champions Sialkot Stallions might get a chance to feature in the lucrative competition later this year.