What exactly did Wasim Akram say?
Speaking at the event, Akram praised the compact schedule of the PSL and suggested that this short format makes the tournament more attractive to foreign players. He hinted that leagues that last close to three months can get boring.
Without directly naming the IPL at the beginning, he commented: “The best thing about our league is that it lasts only 34 or 35 days. It is not like that other league which lasts three months. Bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti.”
Akram then acknowledged the IPL in a separate context and stated that in terms of pure talent, the PSL is on top.
A comparison of formats
The IPL, which currently has 10 teams, usually lasts just over two months. IPL 2024 lasted around 65 days. The 2025 edition was expected to follow a similar schedule but concluded early following disruptions caused by the Pahalgam terror attack.
Instead, the PSL has maintained a shorter period of approximately 34 to 40 days since its inception. Akram argued that foreign cricketers find this more convenient and that long tournaments can be exhausting for everyone involved, including broadcasters, support staff and fans.
He backed up his statement with the example of Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), which initially lasted about ten weeks before shortening its schedule to improve viewership and participation.
“Talent over size”: Akram doubles up
The former fast bowler highlighted that the PSL does not focus on having numerous teams but on maintaining a consistently high level of competition.
“Everyone abroad talks about the standards of bowling. They say when it comes to pure talent, the PSL is number one. We believe in quality, not quantity,” he added.
Social networks did not take it lightly
Although Akram tried to frame his comments as praise for the PSL, the internet quickly interpreted them as a dig at the IPL. Many fans accused him of disparaging a league he once proudly worked with. Memes and sarcastic responses flooded social platforms shortly after the clip appeared.
Despite the backlash, Akram did not retract his statement and maintained that his comments reflect commonly discussed trends among professionals within global T20 leagues.
PCB boss shares same ambition
At the same event, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reaffirmed his vision and stated, “My goal is to make the PSL the number one league in the world.”
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