Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has triggered a fresh debate in the cricket world with his sharp comments on the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Speaking at a Pakistan Super League (PSL) promotion event in London, Akram said long-format franchise leagues become “boring”, adding that the IPL feels “never-ending”.
Akram joked, “Leagues that run for two and a half to three months become boring. This tournament never ends. Kids grow up, but that league never ends.” His remark was clearly aimed at the IPL, which usually runs from March to June.
The event was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground as part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) efforts to attract global investors ahead of the PSL’s expansion.
The board recently announced the addition of two new teams for the tournament’s 11th season, with the bidding scheduled for January 6, 2026. PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, former chairman Ramiz Raja, and Akram were among the key personalities present.
Akram highlighted that PSL’s short duration is its biggest strength. He said foreign players prefer tournaments that last 35–40 days, unlike leagues stretched over several months.
“The best thing about PSL is that it only runs for 34–35 days. Maybe it will increase a bit next year, but two and a half to three months is too long for everyone. Even I start getting bored,” he added.
PSL’s global appeal underlined
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi used the platform to state the board’s long-term vision of turning PSL into the “world’s number one league.” He said the league has consistently shown growth and remains committed to improving its global outreach and brand value.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja praised PSL for its competitiveness and hospitality. According to him, PSL offers foreign players a unique experience. “There is no host like Pakistan anywhere in the world,” he said, calling PSL a top-tier cricket league.
IPL: The world’s biggest cricket league
Despite Akram’s criticism, the Indian Premier League remains the world’s most followed and commercially successful cricket league. Operated by the BCCI, the IPL features 10 teams and typically runs for nearly two months. The upcoming season is likely to begin on March 15, with the final expected on May 31.
Last season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy after years of waiting, making global headlines.
Wasim Akram trends on Google
Following his bold remarks, Wasim Akram has become a top-trending topic on Google Trends. Searches related to his IPL comment have surged, indicating a strong reaction from cricket fans across India, Pakistan and around the world. The IPL vs PSL debate has once again taken centre stage on social media.
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