The forthcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to clash against each other in the last week of March 2026. While IPL season 19 commences on March 28 (Saturday), PSL 11 will start two days before on March 26 (Thursday).
With a few days remaining for the high-profile leagues to commence, the former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad made a bold statement. The 34-year-old explained why IPL is highly competitive and superior to PSL.
Let’s take a look at how Shehzad highlighted the differences between the two prominent T20 leagues in his recent video.
‘IPL Got Superstars, PSL Hired Retired Players’: Shehzad
Speaking on his own YouTube channel, Shehzad openly criticized the quality of players in PSL compared to the IPL:
“See! There are many star players in the IPL that make the league highly competitive. Every season, teams have made massive investments to strengthen their squad more than ever before.
Contrarily, PSL has hired only the commentators and retired players, who have gone on to become the superstars of the league for the past 3 to 4 years. Do you think retired players can become the face of your brand? They will get the money, but what do they have to build your franchise? This situation perfectly represents the situation of the PSL,” Shehzad explained.
Shehzad’s Criticism: PSL Cannot Be Competitive Like IPL
In comparison to IPL, Ahmed Shehzad felt that there is no such notable superstar in the PSL who has delivered a competitive performance so far:
“Definitely! Just look at the IPL, where the reputed superstars from different nations play tough matches to prove their mettle. Their efforts are clearly evident to outdo each other’s performance and strive to acquire better contracts in the next season.
So, it is clear that competitiveness is the essence of IPL, which PSL certainly does not have.
In other words, the active superstars are the core attraction of IPL, who drive a high level of competition. PSL has only converted retired players and commentators into big stars, who fail to recreate or drive the real competition.
Speaking about the competence, it was there at the start of PSL, but not in the last three or four seasons. So, the same retired players commentating, do they become your brand? Are you ready to make massive investments in them? This is the main reason why I feel there is no need to discuss PSL beyond that,” Shehzad added.
Do Pakistani Players Lack Intent? Ahmed Shehzad Blasts PCB
Furthermore, the experienced Pakistani cricketer questioned the caliber of the current Pakistani group of cricketers who continued to receive constant support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) despite poor performances.
Here is what the Lahore-born cricketer had to say:
“Certainly! Your players do not have the caliber that the PCB built as a brand for PSL 5 to 7 years ago. Only these six to eight players become the face of PSL? Also, they are the pillars of our Pakistan team, so do they change the fate of the national squad?
You (referring to PCB) granted the sponsorship to the less talented boys, endorsed, and invested a hefty sum of money. The worst part is that you appointed them to the leadership roles in PSL, am I right?
You heavily relied on those six boys to shoulder the responsibility of the Pakistan cricket team. See now what they have done? They are simply having fun and parties after they lit the jungle. Their pockets are filled with money and enjoyment, but they failed to steer Pakistan to any wins.
I have never seen any cricket board as weak as PCB in my life. Whenever a discussion arises about any player, they simply start spinning stories.
Their (PCB) role was supposed to bring in fresh talent, but they didn’t because of their never-ending ego. Do they have the power to make decisions or not?” Shehzad harshly questioned PCB’s approach.
Also Read: PSL 2026: 6 Bangladeshi Key Players Selected, But BCB Grants Conditional NOC!
Shehzad’s Overall Analysis: Why PSL Lacks Superiority Compared to IPL?
It’s not just one or two, but there are multiple reasons why Ahmed Shehzad feels PSL is not even half of the cash-rich IPL standards. His harsh criticism against PCB and the current generation of players comes following Pakistan’s massive defeat to Bangladesh by 1-2 in the recently concluded 3-match ODI series.
According to the former right-handed batter, Pakistan’s T20 league fell short due to these severe drawbacks:
- More retired star cricketers, commentators, or veteran players participating in the league.
- Less competitive intensity from young and experienced players throughout any PSL season.
- Lack of intent among players to outperform each other to gain better contracts in the next season.
- Low-quality players whose caliber is not even half that of IPL’s uncapped players.
- No Efforts from PCB to introduce young talents and help them gain exposure at the competitive stage.
- High level of focus on marketing retired players rather than looking for young talent who can become the face of the franchise in the future.
- PCB’s Heavy investment in a small group of cricketers.
- Both players and PCB management are responsible for the severe decline of PSL standards
