ormer Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif has strongly claimed that the country’s exclusion from the Indian Premier League (IPL) has deeply affected its cricketing progress. Latif believes that not playing in the world’s most lucrative T20 league has stunted the development of Pakistan’s cricketers.
“Obviously, we miss it as well (playing in the IPL), if we would have played then it increased the interest and business. Some broadcaster would definitely be showing it here if our players were playing,” Latif told IANS.
Pakistani Stars Featured Only in IPL 2008
In the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, 12 Pakistani players took part in the tournament. However, following the Mumbai terror attacks later that year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) barred Pakistani players from future participation.
Notably, only three Pakistani players—Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal, and Younis Khan—have lifted the IPL trophy, doing so with Rajasthan Royals in 2008.
IPL Exposure Boosted Other Teams: Latif
Latif compared Pakistan’s limited exposure to the consistent opportunities players from New Zealand, West Indies, and South Africa enjoy in the IPL. According to him, such exposure has played a pivotal role in elevating their game.
“You look at the other countries in New Zealand, West Indies and South Africa, players from these countries have come to the IPL and played against the best players in the world. You have Pat Cummins, Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada, the best bowlers in the world bowling at you, the competition is high, so you learn a lot with high-class facilities,” he stated.
IPL is Cricket’s ‘Premier League’
Drawing parallels with football’s biggest clubs, Latif emphasized the professional standards of the IPL.
“When you talk about football you think of Manchester United and Real Madrid, because they have the best facilities and players don’t want to leave such places. So when you play in the IPL, the best league in the world, then when you go to other countries to play then you take it lightly,” he added.
Afghanistan’s Rise Tied to IPL Exposure
Latif also pointed to Afghanistan as a case study for how the IPL can influence a country’s cricketing rise.
“Afghanistan’s rise has also been through IPL, after Rashid Khan they have brought in Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazhalaq Farooqi – they have caused instant impact on the national level as well,” he said.