As IPL and PSL go head-to-head for the first time, Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali stirs controversy by claiming fans will switch loyalties if PSL delivers top-tier cricket.
April 9, 2025: With the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) overlapping for the first time ever, Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali has made a bold claim that’s bound to stir debate on both sides of the border.
Speaking ahead of PSL 10’s opener, Hasan Ali, who represents Karachi Kings, said that if players in the Pakistan league raise their performance levels, fans will “leave the IPL” to tune into PSL instead.
“Fans watch tournaments where there’s good cricket and entertainment. If we play well in the PSL, viewers will leave the IPL to watch us,” Hasan said, as quoted by Geo News.
Traditionally held between February and March, the PSL was moved to April-May this year due to Pakistan’s congested international schedule — creating a direct clash with IPL 2025, which is now in its 18th season.
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Despite IPL’s status as the world’s most lucrative and followed T20 league, Hasan believes the PSL’s cricketing quality could turn the tide if local stars deliver match-winning performances.
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However, the comment comes at a time when Pakistan’s national side is facing significant struggles on the international stage. Pakistan endured an early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy, suffering back-to-back losses to India and New Zealand, and then followed it up with a 4-1 T20I series loss and 3-0 ODI whitewash against the Kiwis.
“When the national team doesn’t do well, it reflects on the PSL too. But if we do well, PSL’s graph goes up as well,” Hasan explained.
Despite the poor run, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated a rebuild targeting the T20 World Cup 2026 and ODI World Cup 2027, backing younger talent and new coaching staff.
Hasan expressed confidence in the fresh faces coming into the side, saying, “The players know where they went wrong and where they need to improve. They need some time to show results.”
As the PSL vs IPL narrative heats up online, only time will tell if Hasan’s confidence in Pakistan’s domestic league resonates with fans and viewers globally.
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