Islamabad United Owner Calls For Games Between IPL and PSL Teams

Ali Naqvi, the owner of the Islamabad United franchise of Pakistan Super League (PSL),  has called for matches to be played between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and PSL teams. His comments come just days after former Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq said that if a match between best XI of IPL and best XI of PSL is played, the team from Pakistan would win the contest.

Players from Pakistan have not played in the IPL since the inaugural season way back in 2008. With the bilateral relation between the two countries not showing any sign of improvement, it is highly unlikely that the Pakistan players will be allowed to play in the IPL any time soon.

But while India are unlikely to allow Pakistan players to play in the IPL, Ali Naqvi has called for games to be played between IPL and PSL teams.

“I think we should consider having regular matches between teams from the IPL and PSL which are the best leagues in the world,” Ali Naqvi told reporter on Wednesday.

Naqvi said he had also suggested to the owners of the Mumbai Indians to play a friendly with Islamabad United but that didn’t happen. At the same time, he also  conceded that conditions at present were not conducive for this to happen but said cricket always has played a big role in reducing tensions between Pakistan and India.

“Some thought should be given to this suggestion. It can happen sometime in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, India are unlikely to tour Pakistan this year for the Asia Cup if the latter host it in their backyard. Pakistan have the hosting rights for the tournament this year and they are adamant to host it on their soil. In that case, India are more than unlikely to play the competition. India will defend their Asia Cup title only if the tournament is played at a neutral venue.

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