NEW DELHI: Veteran Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has launched a sharp critique of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), placing the Indian Premier League well above Pakistan’s premier T20 competition. Shehzad pointed out how several overseas players continue to commit to the PSL but eventually opt for the IPL when better offers come their way – a trend he believes is hurting Pakistan’s premier T20 competition.
“One side is the world’s most powerful, richest league IPL, and the other side is Pakistan Super League – PSL. Today we are talking about why many players are seen playing in IPL despite having a contract with PSL. Players have given commitment that they will play in PSL, but later it has been seen that the same players are choosing IPL. It is important to talk about this. Where is the graph of PSL? Yes, where was it before, how fast it rose and then how fast it came down – all this will also be discussed. [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]” Shehzad said.Shehzad, who played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs and 59 T20Is for Pakistan between 2009 and 2019, stressed that the issue goes beyond just league dynamics and directly impacts Pakistan cricket as a whole.“Because it matters. Pakistan team also depends on this system. That’s why it is important to talk about it – because it is a matter of country. Then what are the players thinking inside the stadium? Do they really want to play or not? Are they just getting financial benefit or is there more benefit? [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 multiple examples of high-profile withdrawals, including Dasun Shanaka and Azmatullah Omarzai.“Like every time, this time also around 45 big names had committed to the PSL, but they did not turn up. You look at Dasun Shanaka – despite Sri Lanka and Pakistan having good relations, he got a better offer from the IPL and went away. Then players like Azmatullah Omarzai, who would be an asset for any team, also left. South African players also gave commitment, but later pulled out. Now there are some players above whom there is 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 Shehzad, the PSL’s declining trajectory is closely linked to the expanding global footprint of the IPL and its franchise ecosystem.“The situation is that the graph of PSL is going down. The competition has increased a lot. IPL is not limited to India only. Indian franchise owners have made their place in leagues around the world. There are teams in every league. Not only this, some players took retirement from international cricket due to money, so that they could remain loyal to the franchise leagues. You look at Nicholas Pooran, you look at Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell – all these are part of this trend. And players like Jos Buttler are also seen focusing more 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].”