IPL and PSL are the top T20 leagues for cricketers of India and Pakistan. The BCCI launched the Indian Premier League in the year 2008. In the first season of the IPL, the board also allowed cricketers from Pakistan to participate and compete with the world’s best players.
However, after the 2008 season, the BCCI did not permit any Pakistani cricketers in the league. Also, the BCCI’s rules do not allow any Indian cricketer to play in any league outside the IPL unless he has retired from the Indian domestic tournaments and international cricket. Hence, not a single Indian cricketer has ever played in the PSL.
There was a significant gap in the inaugural seasons of the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, which is why some Pakistani cricketers who played in IPL 2008 had retired by the time PSL came into existence. Here’s a list of two such Pakistan fast bowlers who played in the inaugural Indian Premier League season but never played in the PSL.
1. Mohammad Asif played for Delhi Daredevils in IPL but never in PSL
Regarded by many as the best fast bowler to have emerged from Pakistan, Mohammad Asif made a name for himself with his swing bowling. Asif played for the Delhi Daredevils under the captaincy of Virender Sehwag in the first-ever IPL season. He received a ban for match-fixing soon after, and it brought an early end to his career. Asif never got an opportunity to play in the PSL.
2. Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar received a lot of love from Kolkata fans during his stint with KKR. He never played in PSL. Here’s what he said about his IPL stint:
“I really liked the way Kolkata responded (during IPL). The whole of Bengal was chanting my name and Shahrukh was dancing. I couldn’t believe this was the same Kolkata who had thrown bricks at me and now love me so much.
