The rivalry between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a topic of intense debate for years, and former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has weighed in with a strong opinion. In a recent statement, Latif emphatically declared that there is “no comparison” between the two leagues. His comments, which criticize both the PSL’s current state and Pakistan’s overall cricketing evolution, have sparked further conversations about the future of Pakistani cricket.
Latif Slams PSL’s Decline
Rashid Latif‘s stance on the PSL is clear: despite initial success, the league has significantly fallen behind other global tournaments. He highlighted that the PSL’s first four seasons had witnessed quality cricket, with top players from around the world joining the competition. The production and broadcasting were also top-notch.
However, things began to change in the fifth season, and the league’s downward spiral was attributed to instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Numerous PSL directors were replaced during this period, many of whom were unprofessional. “The downward trend began from the fifth season, possibly due to instability within the PCB, with numerous PSL directors being replaced. Many of those appointed were unprofessional. To date, no cricketer has been given the authority to manage the PSL.”
As a result, Latif pointed out, “The PSL was once the second-best league globally but has now dropped to sixth or seventh.” He added that other leagues, like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and SA20, have surpassed the PSL in terms of growth and quality. The failure of the PCB to capitalize on the PSL’s potential and expand it has contributed to its decline. “There was no contingency plan. The PCB failed to capitalise on the PSL’s potential as a product.”
The IPL’s Influence on Global Cricket
In stark contrast to the PSL’s struggles, Latif praised the IPL for its consistency and success. He pointed out that leagues like the IPL have not only grown in size but have also provided critical exposure to players, which has had a positive impact on the global cricketing ecosystem.
“Afghanistan cricket has reached this level because of the IPL. They have worked hard on their grassroots, but playing in the IPL has given them crucial exposure. The same applies to New Zealand cricket. Look at their depth; many of their key players were in the IPL, and their second-string team defeated our full-strength Pakistan side in the ODIs.”
Latif also lamented the lack of opportunities for Pakistani cricketers in the IPL, which, according to him, has held back the evolution of Pakistan’s cricketing talent. “Pakistan cricketers are not evolving. If they had played in the IPL, their game might have improved. Currently, they are playing against Bangladesh, West Indies, and Ireland. With no disrespect to these teams, they consistently lose miserably against stronger opponents.”
Discontent Among PSL Franchise Owners
The situation around PSL’s future became even more complicated with the news that the current franchise agreements are coming to an end. As the PCB plans to auction new bids for two additional teams in PSL 11, there are rumors of devaluation attempts by current franchise owners, hoping to acquire their teams at a cheaper price. One insider disclosed, “This is the last PSL under the current franchise agreements. New bids will be held, and two new teams will join PSL 11. The current team owners want to devalue the PSL to acquire it at a lower cost. They want to reclaim their teams cheaply. This is a possibility.”
At the same time, the PCB is keen on maintaining the league’s market value and avoiding any disruptions. “The PCB also desires this. They don’t want to damage the PSL’s market because the owners and the authority are aligned.”
A Failed Attempt to Revitalize PSL
Despite the continued struggles, the PCB has tried to inject enthusiasm into the league with promises of a bigger and better PSL 10. However, as Ali Tareen, a prominent voice in the PSL, pointed out, such statements were nothing more than empty words. “How is PSL 10 bigger and better? Someone explain to me. When we say these hollow words that this is going to be the best PSL, what does that even mean? How will it be the best PSL? It’s the same games, same teams.”
Tareen’s comments were met with criticism from others, including Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal. Responding to Tareen’s remarks, Iqbal expressed his disappointment, saying, “Since the start of PSL, many doubted us, critics from India and even some local tv channels. But what truly hurts is when one of our own, a team owner, chooses to publicly ridicule and disrespect this league despite its continuous growth.”
PCB’s Strategic Shift to Avoid IPL Clash
In a sign of growing recognition of the IPL’s dominance, the PCB recently decided to adjust PSL match timings to avoid direct clashes with the IPL in 2025. This strategic move, aimed at ensuring that the PSL does not overlap with IPL matches, reflects the PCB’s acknowledgment of the IPL’s global impact and massive viewership. The timing change also speaks to the economic and commercial importance of aligning with the IPL’s broadcast schedule, with the PCB trying to make sure that the PSL doesn’t lose valuable attention during its own season.
Conclusion: A Clear Divide
Rashid Latif’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene. While the IPL continues to grow and provide international exposure for players, the PSL has stagnated. The lack of professional management and failure to adapt to global changes in cricket leagues have held back the league’s potential.
As the PCB continues to make efforts to revitalize the PSL, the comparison to the IPL will likely continue to highlight the disparities between the two leagues for the foreseeable future. With growing competition from other leagues worldwide, Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure will need substantial reform if it hopes to rise to the level of its Indian counterpart.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
