"I'll Definitely Play In IPL.."- Pakistan Pacer Makes Astonishing Claim

Pakistan fast-bowler Hasan Ali has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Pakistan players are barred from playing in the league due to India’s poor bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Several Pakistan cricketers including the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Salman Butt, Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal, and more had played in the inaugural season of the tournament in 2008. However, the BCCI imposed a ban on the Pakistan players’ participation in the IPL after the terror attack in Mumbai in November 2008. Team India also does not play bilateral series against Pakistan.

In the 2012/13 season, Pakistan visited India for a short limited-overs tour but their players were not allowed to play in the IPL. With the bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan showing very little signs of improvement in recent times, it would not be surprising if Pakistan players do not get the chance to play the IPL for years to come.

However, it has not stopped Hasan Ali from admitting that he would like to experience the IPL as a player. In a recent interview, the right-arm pacer, who was recently in India for the World Cup, said that just like any other player he too wishes to play in the IPL. He also called the league one of the biggest leagues in the world.

“Every player wants to play Indian Premier League and it’s my wish to play there. It’s one of the biggest leagues in the world and I will definitely play there if there’s an opportunity in future,” said Hasan Ali.

‘Every player wants to play Indian Premier League and it’s my wish to play there. It’s one of the biggest leagues in the world and I will definitely play there if there’s an opportunity in future’ – Hasan Ali ?

Which IPL franchise will sign Hasan? ? #IPL2024 #IPLRetentions pic.twitter.com/NhcpgP895p

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 27, 2023

‘Not playing in IPL is a disadvantage’

Recently, Pakistan’s former head coach and team director Mickey Arthur said that not playing in the IPL has been a big disadvantage for Pakistan’s cricketers. His statement came before Pakistan’s crucial clash against New Zealand in the World Cup earlier this month.

“No excuse, but it has been. And the interesting thing has been that every ground we’ve been to has been a new venue for our players, which is exciting. The players have really embraced that and they’ve enjoyed that fact because they’ve watched IPL on TV and they’ve seen test matches at iconic grounds like Eden Gardens, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. So, for them to play it, it’s been really exciting for them,” Arthur had said.