Inzamam ul Haq Shocking Statement on IPL: Alright, so here’s the deal. Inzamam-ul-Haq has just dropped a bombshell about the IPL, and it’s stirring up some serious debate. The former Pakistan captain isn’t too thrilled about how things are run when it comes to Indian players in foreign leagues. And now? He thinks other cricket boards should take a stand and stop sending their players to the IPL. Bold move, right?
What’s the Big Issue Here?
So, we all know India’s cricket scene is massive, right? Team India has been killing it in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, proving once again that their cricketing ecosystem is top-notch. But Inzamam sees a major issue here—one that involves both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Here’s the thing: Indian players don’t play in foreign leagues. Not because they don’t want to, but because the BCCI simply doesn’t allow it. Meanwhile, players from all over the world flock to the IPL because, well, it’s the IPL! It’s the biggest, richest, and most-watched T20 league on the planet. But Inzamam? He thinks this isn’t fair.
During his stint as a pundit for the ICC Champions Trophy, Inzamam brought this up on a Pakistani TV channel. And he wasn’t subtle about it. He straight-up said that if the BCCI won’t let Indian players participate in overseas leagues, then other boards should stop sending their players to the IPL. Yup, he really went there.
What Exactly Did Inzamam Say?
His words? Pretty direct. “Keep aside the Champions Trophy. Top players participate in IPL but Indian players don’t participate in other leagues. Other boards should stop sending their players to IPL. If you (BCCI) don’t release your players for leagues, then other boards should take a stance.”
So basically, his argument is: Why should every country send their best players to make the IPL even bigger, while India keeps its players exclusive to its own tournament? He thinks it’s time for other boards to push back.
Of course, this isn’t the first time someone has raised this point. The BCCI’s decision to keep its players from playing in leagues like the PSL, Big Bash, or The Hundred has been debated for years. But no board has ever taken action against the IPL. After all, the league is a cash machine, and players don’t want to miss out on those big paychecks.
PSL vs. IPL: A Scheduling Clash
Just to make things even more interesting, the PSL 2025 schedule has now been announced, and—surprise, surprise—it overlaps with the IPL. The PSL Season 10 is set to kick off on April 11, with defending champs Islamabad United taking on Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The tournament will run until May 18, with a total of 34 matches.
This means overseas players will have to make a choice—IPL or PSL. And let’s be real, most of them are probably picking IPL. The money, the exposure, the quality of competition—it’s just too good to pass up. But still, the scheduling clash makes things interesting. Could this be a way for PCB to push back against the dominance of the IPL? Maybe.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the PSL 2025 will play out:
- April 11: Tournament begins in Rawalpindi.
- April 8: A special exhibition match will be held in Peshawar. (Teams TBD.)
- May 13: Qualifier 1 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
- May 18: Grand Finale at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
- Karachi and Multan will also host five matches each.
Will Inzamam’s Suggestion Change Anything?
Honestly? Probably not. The IPL is just too powerful. Even if a couple of boards consider pulling their players, the demand for IPL contracts is insane. Players aren’t going to turn down the kind of money the IPL offers, and cricket boards aren’t going to want to upset their stars.
Still, Inzamam’s comments do bring up an interesting debate. Should the BCCI ease up and allow Indian players to play in overseas leagues? Or should other boards actually take a stand and push back against the IPL’s dominance?
For now, though, the IPL juggernaut keeps rolling, and Inzamam’s words will likely remain just that—words. But hey, cricket politics is never boring!
