India’s successful ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign has highlighted strengths in its cricket ecosystem, contrasting with issues in Pakistan’s. Both countries have their T20 leagues, but India’s BCCI prohibits its players from joining foreign leagues, a rule criticized by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. He suggested that other cricket boards should counter this by preventing their players from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced its PSL 2025 schedule, which conflicts with the IPL. The PSL will run from April 11 to May 18, showcasing 34 matches across major cities and including an exhibition match in Peshawar.
Team India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey so far has not only showcased the strength of the nation’s cricketing landscape but also the shortcomings present across the border in Pakistan. Both India and Pakistan host their own T20 leagues – the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League – each with unique rules. A significant regulation enforced by the BCCI is the prohibition of Indian players from participating in overseas leagues. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has voiced his disapproval of this rule established by the Indian board.
While serving as a pundit during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, Inzamam brought up this issue, suggesting that other cricket boards should prevent their players from joining the IPL since the BCCI does not permit its players to play in foreign leagues.
“Setting aside the Champions Trophy, while top players partake in the IPL, Indian players are barred from other leagues. Other boards should consider stopping their players from participating in the IPL. If you (BCCI) refuse to release your players for other leagues, then other boards should take a decisive stance,” he stated during a discussion on a Pakistani television channel.
Recently, the PCB announced the schedule for the PSL 2025 season, which overlaps with the IPL. Consequently, overseas players can only choose one of the two leagues to compete in.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 is set to commence on April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United facing off against two-time champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The tournament, featuring six teams, will include 34 matches from April 11 to May 18, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium slated to host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the final on May 18.
Additionally, this upcoming edition will feature an exhibition match scheduled for April 8 in Peshawar, with the teams to be announced in due course.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including Qualifier 1 on May 13, while Karachi’s National Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.
PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer remarked, “Over the past decade, the PSL has evolved into a globally recognized tournament, demonstrating the best of Pakistan’s cricketing talent.”
“Fans this year will not only see high-profile international cricketers but will also experience 34 thrilling matches across four major cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.”
“As part of our commitment to expanding the reach of the PSL, we are excited to host an exhibition match in Peshawar ahead of the tournament, which is a significant move in bringing top-level cricket to Peshawar, a city with a profound passion for the game.”
With IANS Inputs
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