'We miss playing in the IPL': Rashid Latif believes league ban continues to impact Pakistan cricket

IANS April 6, 2025 227 views

Rashid Latif has highlighted the significant consequences of Pakistan's IPL exclusion on national cricket performance. The ban, which began after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, has prevented Pakistani players from gaining crucial international exposure and high-level competitive experience. By comparing Pakistan's situation with other emerging cricket nations like Afghanistan and New Zealand, Latif emphasizes the developmental opportunities lost through this ongoing restriction. The former captain argues that participating in the world's premier T20 league is critical for player growth and maintaining competitive edge in modern cricket.

"Obviously, we miss it as well (playing in the IPL), if we would have played then it increased the interest and business" - Rashid Latif
New Delhi, April 6: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has stated that the Men in Green ‘miss playing in the IPL’ and it is a major reason why the nation has not performed up to their standards recently.

Key Points

1

Pakistani players excluded from IPL since 2008 Mumbai attacks

2

League ban limits international cricket exposure

3

Emerging cricket nations benefit from IPL participation

4

Player skill development impacted by tournament absence

After the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, which saw 12 Pakistani players play in the league, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to ban Pakistan players from the world's richest franchise league after the Mumbai terrorist attacks later in the year.

“Obviously, we miss it as well (playing in the IPL), if we would have played then it increased the interest and business. Some broadcaster would definitely be showing it here if our players were playing,” Latif told IANS.

Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan, all representing the Rajasthan Royals remain the only three players from Pakistan to win the IPL trophy in 2008.

Latif also elaborated by showing the steady rise of cricket in countries like New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan who have all benefited from playing in the premier T20 league.

“You look at the other countries in New Zealand, West Indies and South Africa, players from these countries have come to the IPL and played against the best players in the world. You have Pat Cummins, Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada, the best bowlers in the world bowling at you, the competition is high, so you learn a lot with high-class facilities.

"When you talk about football you think of Manchester United and Real Madrid, because they have the best facilities and players don’t want to leave such places. So when you play in the IPL, the best league in the world, then when you go to other countries to play then you take it lightly," the former wicketkeeper-batter said.

“Afghanistan’s rise has also been through IPL, after Rashid Khan they have brought in Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazhalaq Farooqi - they have caused instant impact on the national level as well,” added Latif.

Reader Comments

A
Ahmed K.
This is so true! Our players are missing out on world-class competition and experience. Look how much Rashid Khan and other Afghan players have grown through IPL. Politics shouldn't come in the way of sports 😔
S
Sana R.
While I agree with Latif's point about missing IPL exposure, I think PCB should focus more on improving our domestic structure too. Can't just blame everything on missing IPL opportunities. Our local leagues need major upgrades!
M
Muneeb H.
Remember Sohail Tanvir in 2008? What a legend! His unorthodox action destroyed batting lineups. Imagine what our current bowlers could learn bowling to Kohli, Rohit etc. in IPL conditions 🔥
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Fatima J.
The financial aspect is huge too. Our players earn peanuts compared to IPL salaries. Babar would easily get 10cr+ if allowed. More money = better training facilities = better performance!
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Rizwan S.
Respectfully disagree with Latif here. Our team won Champions Trophy 2017 without IPL experience. Talent is there, just need better management and consistent selection policies. IPL isn't the only solution.
Z
Zara A.
The cultural exchange would be amazing too! Fans in India would get to see our players' personalities beyond cricket. Shadab's humor, Shaheen's intensity - they'd become global stars overnight 🌟

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
IPL Pakistan Cricket Rashid Latif Cricket Ban T20 League Mumbai Attacks
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