Ahmed Shehzad Slams IPL–PSL Comparisons, Says PSL Features Only “IPL Reject Players”
Veteran Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has sparked debate after making sharp remarks about the Pakistan Super League (PSL), claiming that the league is largely made up of players who are either retired from or not picked in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
His comments come amid ongoing comparisons between the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, especially after international players were recently asked to share their experiences in both tournaments.
Trigger: Questions to overseas players
The controversy gained traction after Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and South Africa’s Rilee Rossouw were reportedly asked by Pakistani journalists to compare the IPL and PSL during media interactions.
While Mendis avoided giving a direct response, Rossouw’s remarks describing the IPL as feeling “more like a movie than cricket” further fueled discussion online.
“Only IPL rejects play PSL,” says Shehzad
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ahmed Shehzad criticized both the narrative around such comparisons and the composition of PSL squads.
He said the league mostly features players who are either retired from IPL cricket, went unsold in auctions, or no longer have opportunities in the Indian league.
He also named players such as David Warner and Steve Smith while making his point about experienced cricketers who no longer feature in IPL setups but may appear in other leagues.
According to Shehzad, “The only players you have left in the PSL are those who retired from the IPL, went unsold, or have no IPL career left.”
Criticism of cricket boards and bans
Shehzad also questioned the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), criticizing its stance on overseas players who withdraw from PSL contracts to join the IPL.
He suggested that imposing bans on such players would not solve the issue, arguing that top international talent naturally prioritizes the IPL due to its global stature and opportunities.
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Reaction to media questions
The former Pakistan batter also took issue with the nature of questions posed to international players like Mendis and Rossouw, saying they were unnecessary and poorly framed.
He emphasized that asking players to compare leagues while they are actively participating in one of them puts them in a difficult position and can lead to biased or diplomatic answers.
Ongoing debate
The remarks have reignited the long-standing debate over the quality, popularity, and global appeal of the IPL and PSL. While the IPL is widely regarded as the most lucrative T20 league in world cricket, the PSL continues to position itself as a growing platform for emerging and established talent.
Shehzad’s comments are likely to add further fuel to discussions around player priorities, league standards, and the future of franchise cricket in the region.
