Deccan Chargers deny signing Razzaq

Confusion reigned supreme over Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq's partcipation in this year's Indian Premier League, as Deccan Chargers denied signing him amid reports that the player has been roped in as a substitute.

The former Indian Cricket League recruit was reportedly signed up by the Chargers as a replacement for injured West Indian pacer Fidel Edwards but the franchise denied the reports.

"We don't have a slot and I am denying it," Venkat Reddy, Vice President (Operations) Deccan Chargers, told PTI.

IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said Deccan Chargers just don't have any money left with them to rope in a new player.

"Currently, only Rajasthan Royals can have a slot. Deccan Chargers don't have any money. The only way to bring a new player is through injury replacement. But for that, the IPL governing body has to be convinced that the injured player won't come back for even a single match," Modi said.

Earlier, sources close to Razzaq said the veteran all-rounder and Chargers had reached an agreement.

"The contract has been finalised and it should be announced soon," one source said.

Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi had appeared for the Chargers in the first IPL season in 2008.