'We don’t need IPL’: Kamran Akmal’s bold take on Pakistan players’ IPL exclusion

Political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to Pakistani cricketers being excluded from the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the first season of the IPL, several prominent Pakistani players, including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, and Sohail Tanvir played in the IPL.

However, following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the BCCI and IPL imposed bans on Pakistani players. Well, Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal insisted that the IPL ban on Pakistan players is not a major concern for Pakistan.

We don't need IPL, we have PSL: Kamran Akmal

He suggested that if the bilateral series between the two nations resumes, it might also resolve the debate surrounding Pakistani players' participation in the IPL.

Akmal insisted that Pakistan is not focused on the IPL, as they have their very own Pakistan Super League (PSL), but he stressed the importance of resuming the bilateral ties.

He admitted that PSL doesn’t offer the facilities and finances as IPL, but Pakistanis are happy with their own league, as they just want to resume cricketing ties between the two nations.

Kamran Akmal was quoted as saying by Times of India: “BCCI has its own rules. If the bilateral series resumes, the debate about Pakistani players not playing in the IPL will also end. If you don't want to give us a chance in the IPL, that's fine with us. We don't need it. We are not worrying about those lines. We have our own PSL (Pakistan Super League). I know PSL can't match IPL in terms of facilities and finances, but let's play international cricket.”

In recent years, Pakistan has successfully hosted several top international cricket teams, including Australia, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. This extensive list has led former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal to question India's reluctance to play in Pakistan ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Akmal has pointed out the vibrant and supportive atmosphere during past tours of Pakistan to India. He recalled how Pakistan had toured India multiple times in the early 2000s, receiving immense support and affection from Indian fans.

Kamran Akmal reacts to India's reluctance to tour Pakistan ahead of Champions Trophy 2025

Further, Akmal emphasized that matches between India and Pakistan are highly anticipated events that attract fans across the world. However, things changed over the past decade, as India refused to play Pakistan in the bilateral series due to political tension between the two nations.

They only meet in the multi-nation event, and even India continues to avoid touring Pakistan for any cricketing event.

Now, with PCB set to host the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, the BCCI has yet again denied sending Team India to Pakistan for the mega event, citing a government clearance issue.

Reacting to the media speculations, Akmal questioned why India had been denying touring Pakistan, especially when other major teams don’t have any issues. He highlighted the unique connection between the two nations' cricketing communities and the electric atmosphere that such encounters generate.

We are missing the India vs Pakistan series: Akmal

He said that India vs Pakistan matches not only bring excitement to the game but also foster a sense of unity among fans from both borders. Kamran Akmal was quoted as saying by Times of India: “India vs Pakistan matches bring fans together. That's why it's known as the mother of all clashes. We toured India several times—in 2004, 2007, and 2011."

Akmal toured India in 2005, 2007, and 2013 with the Pakistan team apart from playing them on home soil in 2004 and 2006. The wicketkeeper said that he considers him lucky that he traveled to India and played several series both at home and away.

He signed off by saying, “India should travel to Pakistan, and Pakistan should go to India. Let's keep the political matters aside and play and love cricket. When a team like Australia can visit Pakistan, why not India?”