Over the years, the Indian Premier League has done an excellent job of bridging the gap between countries by bringing players from all over the globe under one roof and nurturing their cricketing talent. The best example of this is Rashid Khan from Afghanistan, who got his chance and capitalised on it well. Not only this star spinner, but there are many other aspects in which the IPL has made a significant impact. We have seen how Australian players were once portrayed as rivals or misunderstood—players like Andrew Symonds and Shane Warne are clear example. However, when they joined this league, slowly and steadily, their reputation started changing.
But with all these positive aspects, are you aware that the IPL has also seen many Pakistani players in the league? Although due to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, especially after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistani players have since been barred from participating in the IPL. They featured in only one edition in 2008, but they left behind good memories that are still fresh. So, who are those Pakistani players who have played in this cash-rich league? Here are three top-quality Pakistani players who have played in the IPL.
Pakistan cricketers who played in the IPL
Shoaib Malik
The first and possibly the most well-known name at that time was Shoaib Malik. The former Pakistan captain had done an impressive job for the men in green, and when he came into the IPL, he was signed by the Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils). However, he couldn’t make much of an impact. In 7 matches, he scored just 52 runs in total. The team was packed with power-packed batting stars such as AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan, who were given priority over Malik in the inaugural edition.
Shoaib Akhtar
It was the Rawalpindi Express who came and destroyed many batters in the IPL, also taking a five-wicket haul against Delhi Daredevils. Playing for KKR in 2008, Akhtar featured in only three games, but the impact he made was commendable, and he was surely a big name from Pakistan who played in the IPL. Apart from Shoaib Akhtar, two more big Pakistani bowlers who played in the IPL were Sohail Tanvir and Umar Gul. Tanvir turned out to be a trump card for the Rajasthan Royals, who eventually became the champions of the inaugural IPL. He picked up 22 wickets in just 11 games. Meanwhile, Umar Gul also came into the spotlight with his lethal deliveries, playing for KKR, where he took 12 wickets in 6 games.
Shahid Afridi
Last but not least is Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi, famous for his big sixes and known as Boom Boom for his towering hits. Although when he entered the IPL, it didn’t turn out to be his best season specially with the bat, played for the now-defunct Deccan Chargers, he scored just 81 runs in 10 games. However, he certainly showed his spin magic by taking 9 wickets with an impressive economy of 7.50 for the Hyderabad franchise.
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