Wasim Akram took a subtle dig at the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the duration of the world’s richest franchise tournament. The Pakistan legend’s remarks came during a promotional event of Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Lord’s Cricket Ground in the United Kingdom. Akram mocks that kids would grow up, but the Indian league doesn’t end.
Once a bowling coach at three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Akram remarked that IPL’s duration is a bit too much for every player, especially foreign cricketers. “The best thing about the league (PSL) is that it is played for only about 34–35 days, maybe a little more next year,” Akram said, the video of which went viral on social media.
“It’s not like three months, the other league. I mean bacche bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti (the kids grow up but the league doesn’t end),” added Akram. “So the foreign players who come to Pakistan or any league, they prefer to be there for 30-40 days.”
The former Pakistan pacer cited the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) as a prime example of how the organisers realised that a franchise league for such a long duration can exhaust the players. The BBL started off with just 31 matches in 2011-12. It was expanded to 61 matches in the next few years before Cricket Australia cut down the BBL to 44 matches now.
“Two and a half, three months is bit too long for everyone. Even I get bored watching the league. A 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,” elaborated Akram.
Akram’s connection with IPL began in 2010 when he was appointed as the bowling coach-cum-mentor of KKR. Under Akram’s guidance, the likes of Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav honed their skills, who went on to represent India at the top level.
How long does an IPL season run?
Started in 2008, IPL has grown in stature and is the best franchise league in the world at the moment. Ever since its start, the duration for the IPL season has remained the same — two months (not what Akram said — three months). A total of 74 matches are played in IPL as compared to PSL’s 60. It may be noted that 10 teams play in IPL, whereas PSL has only eight teams.
Last season, the IPL started on 22 March and was initially scheduled to end on 25 May. But the India-Pakistan border conflict resulted in a seven-day delay and it finally ended on 3 June. On the other hand, the PSL was originally slotted for the 11 April-18 May window. However, due to Indo-Pak tensions, the PSL final was played on 25 May.
