If Permitted To Play, These Five Pakistani Players Can Be A Major Success In The IPL

Since the inception of Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, it has evolved into one of the biggest cricketing carnivals around the world, featuring world-class players from a number of countries. Having said that though, Pakistani players are not allowed to participate in the IPL as per the regulations, even though this wasn’t the case in the first two seasons.

In the first couple of editions of IPL, Pakistani players were impactful, although the relations between India and Pakistan soured, which saw a subsequent ban on participation of Pakistani players in the cash-rich league.

In a parallel universe though, if the ban on these players was lifted, some players could have a big impact in India’s domestic T20 league as well.

Here are five Pakistani players who can be a major success in the IPL:

5) Shaheen Afridi

In the illustrious cricket history of Pakistan, the nation as produced numerous world-class pace bowlers. Bowling has always been Pakistan cricket team’s strength, due to the presence of some incredible pacers.

One such talented player who is making a name for himself nowadays is Shaheen Afridi.

Despite his young age, the 19-year-old has developed into a lethal weapon for the national team. Afridi has garnered a huge fan following due to his consistent performances for the Green Army.

He came into the limelight via the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and could have a big impact in the IPL as well if Pakistani players were allowed to participate.

4) Imad Wasim

Imad Wasim has taken the burden of spin bowling upon his shoulders for the Pakistan national team, in the past couple of years. He has slowly developed into a marquee player for the national side. Wasim has the potential to contribute with the bat as well.

The 31-year-old has already amassed 43 caps in T20I cricket, wherein he has 42 scalps to his name. The left-hander has been a consistent presence in the PSL as well, due to his economic bowling credentials.

Wasim could have a similar impact in the IPL too, given that the ban on Pakistani players is lifted in the future.

3) Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir is another fast bowler any IPL franchise would love to add to their arsenal. He was banned at the peak of his career, but Amir has responded excellently post the suspension.

The 27-year-old has retired from Test cricket already, to focus on white-ball cricket. He is considered as one of the most lethal bowlers in the world right now.

Amir belongs to an elite list of Pakistani players who would be a valued addition to the IPL if someday they are allowed in the cash-rich league.

2) Shadab Khan

The role of Shadab Khan in Pakistan’s national team cannot be underestimated. He’s a player who since his debut in 2017, has progressed in leaps and bounds and is crucial in the current scheme of things.

The youngster, despite his 21 years of age, plays like he’s been around for a long time. Shadab is a player who can contribute with both the ball and bat. He has had a decent season so far in the PSL 2020 as well.

With the potential that he has, the all-rounder would be a profitable bet for any IPL franchise if Pakistani players were allowed in the league.

1) Babar Azam

ICC’s number one ranked batsman in the T20I format, Babar Azam would represent excellent value for money if he was to play in the IPL. The 25-year-old is often heralded as one of the best batsmen in the world, often drawing comparisons with Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

Babar has an average of more than 50 in T2oIs, and he has the potential to break into the playing XI of any IPL team on any given day.

The right-handed batsman is a specialist when it comes to white-ball cricket, but he has continued to shine for Pakistan in the purest format as well.

Having said that though, Babar’s strike rate of 121 is his personal best across formats, which speaks volumes about how devastating he would be if he could have played for an IPL team.