Inzamam asks cricket boards not to send their players for IPL

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has sparked a debate regarding the participation of international cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Inzamam has called on cricket boards around the world to stop sending their players to the IPL, citing India's policy that restricts its male cricketers from participating in foreign T20 leagues. He highlighted the disparity between the restrictions placed on Indian men and the opportunities given to Indian women cricketers, who are allowed to compete in overseas leagues like the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), The Hundred, and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

Inzamam argued that if the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to prevent its male cricketers from joining foreign T20 leagues, other cricket boards should adopt a similar stance. He pointed out that while top players from around the world regularly feature in the IPL, Indian cricketers are not given the same freedom to play in overseas leagues. This situation has led to frustration among international cricketers and sparked a conversation about fairness in international cricket.

The IPL, regarded as one of the most lucrative and competitive T20 leagues, is set to begin its 2025 season on March 22. The tournament, which has seen participation from a host of international cricketers over the years, will run concurrently with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled from April 11 to May 18. The overlap between the two tournaments has intensified discussions about the participation of foreign players in the IPL, especially in light of the BCCI’s policy on restricting its own players from competing in other T20 leagues.

Historically, Indian male cricketers have been barred from playing in foreign franchise leagues until they retire from international cricket. Notable players such as Dinesh Karthik, Yuvraj Singh, and Irfan Pathan have participated in overseas leagues like the South Africa T20 League (SA20), GT20 Canada, and the Lanka Premier League, but only after ending their international careers. This restriction has been a point of contention within the cricketing world, with many questioning whether such a policy is fair to players seeking to extend their careers in other competitive leagues.

The IPL has also faced criticism for its exclusion of Pakistani players, who have not been allowed to participate in the tournament since its inception in 2008. Despite this, the IPL continues to attract top talent from around the world, with players from various countries regularly competing for franchises. As the 2025 season approaches, Inzamam’s comments add fuel to the ongoing debate about the impact of national cricket policies on international leagues and whether the status quo will continue or see change in the near future.