In a recent interview with Samaa TV, Pakistani pace sensation Hasan Ali opened up about his wish to partake in the Indian Premier League (IPL), echoing the sentiments of numerous Pakistani cricketers aspiring to showcase their skills in one of the world’s most celebrated T20 leagues.
Reflecting on the IPL’s history, Hasan acknowledged the significant presence of Pakistani cricket luminaries such as Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, and Sohail Tanvir in the inaugural years of the tournament back in 2008.
However, political tensions between India and Pakistan led to a ban on Pakistani players’ participation in the IPL starting from 2009, leaving a hiatus in their representation.
The ban notwithstanding, Hasan Ali, who recently made an impactful appearance on Indian soil during the World Cup 2023, emphasized the IPL’s stature as ‘one of the biggest leagues’ globally.
Expressing his desire, he stated, “Every player wants to play IPL, and it is my wish to play there. It is one of the biggest leagues in the world, and I will definitely play there if there is an opportunity in the future.”
Hasan’s sentiments shed light on a collective yearning among Pakistani players to experience the challenges and opportunities presented by the IPL, which has grown to become a pinnacle in the T20 format, drawing top talents from around the cricketing world.
Despite the diplomatic hurdles, Hasan Ali has been in the limelight for his commendable performance in the recently concluded World Cup.
The fast bowler exhibited his prowess by claiming nine wickets from six matches at an outstanding average of 6.29, including a notable four-wicket haul that underscored his impact on the international stage.
His return to ODIs during the World Cup was prompted by Naseem Shah’s ankle injury, showcasing Hasan’s ability to seize opportunities and deliver under pressure.
The dynamic bowler has been a consistent performer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United.
Currently occupying the second spot in the all-time leading wicket-takers list of the PSL, Hasan Ali is poised to make history by becoming only the second bowler to cross the coveted 100-wicket mark in the league, requiring just six more scalps to achieve this milestone.
As Hasan Ali articulates his ambition to grace the IPL stage, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await developments that may pave the way for the return of Pakistani players to this illustrious tournament, fostering a renewed era of cross-border cricketing friendship.
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