5 Pakistan Cricketers Who Have Already Played In The IPL

Currently, Pakistan cricketers are not part of IPL tournaments. However, there was a time when they played in Indian Premier League. In the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League in 2008, many Pakistan players played for different franchises. However, after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, relations between India and Pakistan deteriorated and India shut down cricket with Pakistan.

The Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 were carried out by a Pakistan-based terrorist organization. However, the Pakistan government did not take necessary actions against the culprits. This resulted in many political parties voicing against the participation of Pakistani players in Indian Premier League.

As a result, BCCI debarred Pakistan players from participating in Indian Premier League and franchisees also did not show any interest to induct Pakistani cricketers into their squad. Therefore, Pakistan cricketers only managed to participate in one season of IPL 2008. Here we look at 5 Pakistan cricketers who have already played In IPL.

5 Pakistan Cricketers Who Have Already Played In The IPL

Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar was part of Indian Premier League in the debut season of IPL 2008. Shoaib Akhtar played for Kolkata Knight Riders. He played 3 matches in which he picked 5 wickets. He had an economy of 7.71. His spectacular bowling in a match against Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2008 is a memorable memory for IPL fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders were defending a low target of 134 against Delhi Capitals. The right-arm pacer Akhtar scalped 4 wickets and KKR managed to bowl out Delhi Capitals for just 110, winning the match by 23 runs. Shoaib Akhtar was also awarded player of the match for his blistering spell of 4-11. This is also Akhtar’s best bowling figure in IPL.

Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik is another Pakistan cricketer who played in IPL. In IPL 2008, Shoaib Malik was part of Delhi Capitals. The former Pakistan skipper played 7 matches and scored 52 runs. The right-handed batsman Malik had an average of 13 and a strike rate of 110+.

His highest score was 24, which he hit against Mumbai Indians in a losing cause. Malik also took 5 catches during the 7 games he played in IPL 2008. With the bowling, Malik picked up 2 wickets, 1 wicket each on two occasions.

Misbah-ul-Haq

The current head coach of the Pak National Cricket Team, Misbah-ul-Haq was also part of IPL 2008. The right-handed batsman played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first edition of Indian Premier League. Misbah played 8 matches in which he scored 117 runs. He had an average of 16+ and a brilliant strike rate of 144+.

Misbah played a marvellous knock of unbeaten 47 runs in a match against Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2008. Misbah smashed a quickfire of 47 runs off just 25 deliveries to help RCB post 154-7 on the scoreboard. However, Royal Challengers Bangalore lost the match by 5 wickets in the end.

Sohail Tanvir

Former Pak pacer Sohail Tanvir was also part of IPL 2008. Sohail Tanvir was part of Rajasthan Royals and played a major role for his team to win the title in the season. Tanvir was the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2008 and won the purple cap. He scalped 22 wickets in 11 matches. He had an incredible economy of 6.46.

Sohail Tanvir scalped 6 wickets for 14 runs in a match against Chennai Super Kings. This record stayed as the best bowling figures in IPL for the next 11 years. Sohail Tanvir’s team Rajasthan Royals won the IPL 2008 trophy after defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final by 3 wickets.

Shahid Afridi

Former Pak cricketer Shahid Afridi was also part of IPL 2008. Afridi played for Deccan Chargers in the inaugural edition of Indian Premier League. The former Pak captain Afridi played 10 matches and scored 81 runs in 9 innings. He had a strike rate of 176+ and his highest score in the tournament was 33.

He also picked up 9 wickets in the season and had an economy of 7.5. His best figures bowling figures was 3/28.