Wasim Akram takes dig at IPL’s duration with ‘Kids grow up’ remark, gets trolled
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a topic of discussion among cricket fans and experts for years, with some praising its format and others criticizing its duration. Recently, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram joined the conversation, taking a dig at the IPL’s lengthy schedule. However, his comments did not go down well with fans, who were quick to troll him on social media.
In a recent statement, Akram said, “Bachche bade ho jate hain…woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. (Kids grow up…but that league just never ends).” The remark was clearly aimed at the IPL, which has a reputation for being one of the longest T20 leagues in the world. The tournament typically lasts for around two months, with each team playing a minimum of 14 matches in the group stage.
Akram’s comment was likely made in comparison to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which has a shorter duration. The PSL usually lasts for around a month, with each team playing a minimum of 10 matches in the group stage. Akram has been a vocal supporter of the PSL, often praising its format and competitiveness.
However, Akram’s dig at the IPL did not go unnoticed, and fans were quick to respond. One fan commented, “Kids grow up…become big players, retire…and then still go on to play in PSL.” The comment was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that many retired players continue to participate in the PSL, often well into their 40s.
Another fan wrote, “Whether…league ends or not…Pakistanis’ obsession with IPL just never ends.” This comment highlighted the irony of Akram’s statement, given that many Pakistani fans and players are known to follow the IPL closely. In fact, several Pakistani players have participated in the IPL in the past, although none have been part of the tournament in recent years due to diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan.
The trolling of Akram on social media was not limited to just a few comments. Many fans took to Twitter and other platforms to express their opinions on the matter, with some defending Akram’s statement and others criticizing it. The debate highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the IPL and the PSL, with fans of both leagues often engaging in heated discussions on social media.
Despite the trolling, Akram remains a respected figure in the cricket world, known for his exceptional skills as a fast bowler and his insights as a commentator. His comments on the IPL’s duration may have been misinterpreted by some, but they also sparked an important conversation about the format of T20 leagues.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards shorter T20 leagues, with many tournaments opting for a more compact schedule. The PSL, for example, has been successful in attracting a large audience despite its shorter duration. The league’s format, which features a mix of local and international players, has been praised by fans and experts alike.
On the other hand, the IPL’s lengthy schedule has been criticized by some, who argue that it leads to player burnout and a lack of interest among fans. The tournament’s format, which features a large number of matches, can be overwhelming for some viewers, who may struggle to keep up with the action.
Ultimately, the debate over the ideal duration of a T20 league is a complex one, with no easy answers. While some fans may prefer a shorter, more compact schedule, others may enjoy the longer format of the IPL. As the cricket world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how different leagues adapt to changing fan preferences and player needs.
In conclusion, Wasim Akram’s comments on the IPL’s duration may have sparked a heated debate, but they also highlighted the ongoing conversation about the format of T20 leagues. As a respected figure in the cricket world, Akram’s opinions are worth considering, even if they may not be shared by all fans. Whether or not one agrees with his views on the IPL, it is clear that the tournament remains a topic of interest and discussion among cricket fans around the world.