'I get bored': Wasim Akram launches veiled attack on IPL, claims 'everybody overseas say PSL definitely No. 1'

Wasim Akram launches veiled attack on IPL

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram took a subtle dig at the Indian Premier League (IPL) while taking part in the high-profile commercial roadshow at Lord's involving Pakistan Super League (PSL). The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) held two star-studded sessions at the iconic venue, which Akram was part of. PSL CEO Salman Naseer, former cricketer-turned commentator Ramiz Raja, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and current players Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Sahibzada Farhan also took part in the event.

Speaking at the programme, Akram chose to make light of the IPL's duration and joked "Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti." He compared the PSL's short, fast-paced format, which usually lasts just over a month, with the IPL's two-plus-month schedule.

“The best thing about the league is that it is played for only about 34–35 days, maybe a little more next year,” Akram said, calling the PSL “short, fast, and exciting.” He added that foreign players prefer shorter commitments. “Foreign players, when they come to Pakistan, prefer to be here for 35-40 days. More than that - two-and-a-half to three months - is a bit too long for everyone. Even I get bored," Akram said.

'Bachy Baray Ho Jaty Hain League Khatam he Nahi Hoti' -Wasim Akram on IPL pic.twitter.com/6wg3S8e9i5

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As proof that shorter competitions are more effective, Akram highlighted the Big Bash League's (BBL) decision to shorten its duration. He continued by asserting that PSL bowling talent is rated higher by foreign players than that of other leagues because it provides "quality, not quantity."

"Prime example is the BBL. They started off with two-and-a-half months. They realised after four or five years it wasn't working. Now their duration is about 40 days. That's it. That's the beauty of the PSL. Of course, the talent. Everybody overseas, when I talk to them, they talk about bowling in the IPL and other leagues. They say the PSL, as far as talent is concerned, is definitely No. 1 because we have quality, not quantity."

Despite the lighthearted jab, Akram conceded that the IPL remains at the top of the worldwide franchise hierarchy, with the PSL coming in second.