Azhar backs Shah Rukh on Pak players' IPL participation

Washington, Backing Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan on the Pakistani players'participation in the Indian Premier League, cricketer-turned-politician Mohammad Azharuddin said the Twenty20 event should feature the world's best players irrespective of their nationality.

"I feel all the good players from different countries should participate in such a big tournament," Azharuddin told media.

"Politics and sports are two different things. Players should be left alone. All the good players should be taken in the IPL, not just the Pakistan players," added the former Indian captain, who was stuck in his hotel for an entire day due to the snow storm here. The former batsman said having the best players would only enhance the popularity of the tournament.

Azharuddin was here to attend the prestigious National Prayer Breakfast meeting which was addressed by US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, which was attended by people from all over the world.

"The function was good. It brings people from different countries together. Got an opportunity to meet lot of people," Azharuddin said."At the end of the day we are all human beings. There is no difference. We are all same," he added.