Mumbai: IPL Kolkata Knight Riders team is still hopeful that Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar would be able to play the first match of the Indian Premier League,, actor and owner of the team Shah Rukh Khan said today.

"I am still hopeful that he will be able to play in the first game," Khan said at a function in a suburban hotel here.

The Indian Premium League starts on April 18.

The actor also announced the team s association with mobile phone company Nokia whose logo would be the central logo on the team's jersey.

"Even if he (Akhtar) can come midway through the tournament, I would like him to play," the actor said.

Akhtar has been slapped with a five-year ban by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for violating the players code of conduct.

The actor said he had spoken with team coach John Buchnan and captain Sourav Ganguly who had assured him the team would be a balanced one even in Akhtar s absence.

"I believe the tribunal is hearing the appeal the day after tomorrow and we are hopeful that the PCB gives him an NOC (No Objection Certificate) and he can play," Khan said.

Despite reports that initial ticket sales at stadiums, where the Indian Premier League matches would be played, were not good, Khan said he was hopeful that they would improve.

"In this case, unlike films, the tickets for the matches will sell even on the day and day before the match. Hopefully, sales will be better in the coming days," Khan added.

Source : PTI