Hasan Ali, the fast bowler from Pakistan, thinks that if local players step up their game, fans might just ditch the Indian Premier League (IPL) and turn their attention to the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He noted that the performance of the national team has a big effect on how the local league is viewed, but he’s optimistic about what the local stars can achieve. “We’ll really try hard to make our fans happy,” he said.
The next season of the PSL kicks off on April 11, but it’s going to run at the same time as the flashy and well-funded IPL in India. The IPL is packed with big names, and all the top international players seem to prefer signing up for it. Take Corbin Bosch, for instance; he had to back out of his PSL deal when he got a call from the Mumbai Indians as an injury replacement. It’s clear that the PSL is relying heavily on home-grown talent alongside a handful of foreign players.
Hasan expressed hope for good viewership, even with the IPL being a tough competition. We had to find this time slot for PSL, and in the end, it really comes down to how entertaining we can be, he explained. “If we put in some great performances throughout the PSL, fans might just switch from the IPL to watch us instead.” It all hinges on how well the league goes for them, he added.
He acknowledged that when the national team struggles, it definitely affects the PSL too. Our performances haven’t been the best lately, from the Champions Trophy to our recent tour in New Zealand. We had some new players who need time to adapt, he said. But he firmly believes that when the national team excels, the PSL benefits right alongside it. We’re going to do everything we can to keep our fans excited for the season ahead,” Hasan promised.
Interestingly, there hasn’t been a single Pakistani player in the IPL since the attacks in Mumbai back in 2008. Hasan himself has been a star in the PSL, playing for three franchises and standing out as one of the top bowlers in the league. Over 82 matches, he’s taken 108 wickets, with a solid average of 22.96. So, it seems the PSL has it’s own rising stars who are ready to shine, and Hasan is eager to play his part in that journey.
