New Delhi: Pakistan’s veteran batsmen Ahmad Shehzad What has started the severe criticism of Pakistan Super League (PSL), by placing Indian Premier League Far above Pakistan’s premier T20 competition. Shahzad pointed out how a number of foreign players remain committed to the PSL but eventually opt for the IPL when better offers come – a trend he believes is hurting Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
“One journey is the world’s most powerful, rich league IPL, and the other journey is Pakistan Super League – PSL. Today we talk about why so many players are seen playing in IPL despite having a contract with PSL, committing to PSL. But it has been seen many times that the same players choose IPL. [On one side, there is the IPL – the most powerful and richest league in the world – and on the other side is the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Today, let’s discuss why many players, despite having PSL contracts, end up playing in the IPL]said the prince.Shahzad, who played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs and 59 T20Is for Pakistan between 2009 and 2019, emphasized that the issue goes beyond just league dynamics and has a direct impact on Pakistan cricket as a whole.“Because it does matter, the Pakistan team also depends on this system. That’s why it’s important to talk about it – because it’s a country’s matter, then what do the players think inside the stadium? Do they play for real, not for financial gain?” Finding something or something else? [Because this matters. Pakistan’s national team depends on this system. So this discussion is necessary – it’s about the country. What is the mindset of players inside the stadium? Do they really want to play in the PSL? Do they benefit beyond just financial gains? ]”The former Pakistan batsman also gave several examples of high-profile withdrawals, including Dasan Shanaka And Azmatullah Omarzai.“Time and time again, around 45 big names have committed to the PSL, but they haven’t turned up. Look at Dasan Shanka – despite good relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they offer a better deal than the IPL.” Then players like Azmatullah Umarzai, who would have been an asset to any team, also left. The South African player did not give a commitment, but instead got out. There are still players who have a question mark – will they come or not? [Like every year, around 45 big-name players committed to the PSL this time as well, but many didn’t show up. Take Dasun Shanaka for example — despite strong cricketing ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, he chose the IPL after receiving a better offer. Players like Azmatullah Omarzai, who could have been key assets, also opted out. South African players too pulled out after committing. Even now, there are several players whose participation remains uncertain]”According to Shahzad, the declining momentum of the PSL is closely related to the expanding global influence of the IPL and its franchise ecosystem.“That’s why the graph of PSL is going down, the competition has become too big. IPL is no longer limited to Surf India. Indian franchise owners have made their mark in leagues around the world. They have teams in the league. Not only this, some players have even retired from international cricket for money, so that they can remain loyal to the franchise leagues. You look at Nicholas Pooran, you look at Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell – it’s all his tendency. And players like Jos Buttler also seem to focus mostly on franchise cricket now. [This is exactly why PSL’s graph is declining. Competition has increased significantly. The IPL is no longer limited to India – Indian franchise owners now have stakes in leagues across the world. In fact, some players have even retired from international cricket to stay loyal to franchise leagues due to financial incentives. Players like Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell have followed this path, and even Jos Buttler is increasingly focused on franchise cricket]”
