During the event, which featured PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, former captains Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja, and PSL CEO Salman Naseer, Akram commented on the IPL’s extended duration. Speaking in front of Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Sahibzada Farhan, he joked:
“Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.”
He contrasted the IPL’s two-plus-month schedule with the PSL’s shorter, high-tempo format, emphasizing that foreign players prefer compact tournaments of 35–40 days rather than lengthy commitments.
Akram praised the PSL for being “short, fast, and exciting”, citing the Big Bash League (BBL) as an example of how shorter tournaments are more effective. He noted that overseas players rate PSL bowling talent highly, calling it “quality, not quantity.”
“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. Even I get bored,” Akram said.
He added that while the IPL remains the top global league, the PSL’s format and talent pool make it a strong contender in the international T20 scene.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi used the roadshow to outline an ambitious plan for the PSL, aiming to make it the world’s leading cricket league. Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja highlighted the league’s role in developing young Pakistani players by providing exposure to international stars.
The event successfully showcased the PSL on a prestigious global stage, with Akram’s IPL commentary adding a touch of humor and sparking discussions among cricket fans worldwide.
Wasim Akram’s playful critique of the IPL during the Lord’s PSL roadshow highlighted the league’s compact, exciting structure. With PSL 2026 around the corner, the focus remains on delivering high-quality cricket and nurturing emerging talent, all while entertaining fans around the globe.
