Former Pakistan cricket captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has issued a strong statement urging cricket boards worldwide to reconsider their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) following Pakistan’s exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Inzamam criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) influence over international cricket and highlighted the disparity in the participation of Indian players in overseas leagues.
Speaking on a Pakistani television channel, Inzamam stated, “Forget about the Champions Trophy for a moment. Indian players don’t participate in any international T20 leagues, but all top players from around the world come to play in the IPL. Other cricket boards should take a stand and stop sending their players to the IPL if India doesn’t release their players for foreign leagues.”
The BCCI enforces a strict policy prohibiting active Indian players from participating in any foreign T20 leagues. Indian players are only allowed to participate in international leagues after retiring from all forms of Indian cricket, including the IPL. The sole exception is List A and County Cricket in England, which requires BCCI permission.
Pakistani players were part of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, but due to political tensions, they have since been barred from participating in future seasons. The only Pakistani cricketer to play in the IPL after 2008 was Azhar Mahmood, who obtained British citizenship and played for Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Inzamam and Misbah-ul-Haq were recently inducted into the PCB Hall of Fame ahead of Pakistan’s Tri-ODI Series against New Zealand, marking their significant contributions to Pakistani cricket.
*Australia and South Africa Prepare for Potential Semifinal Clash with India*
As debate continues over Team India’s potential advantage in the Champions Trophy, Australia and South Africa are heading to the UAE to prepare for a possible semifinal clash with India. With the final group match between India and New Zealand yet to take place, both teams have already secured their spots in the semifinals.
In anticipation of the uncertainty, both Australia and South Africa have flown to Dubai to fine-tune their preparations ahead of a potential showdown with India. However, the twist lies in the logistical challenge—whichever team does not advance to face India will have to make a 2,000-kilometer journey back to Pakistan to continue their campaign for the semifinals, adding an extra layer of complexity to an already intense atmosphere.
Stay tuned for further updates on the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
