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 for years, with many former cricketers and experts weighing in on its format, duration, and impact on the game. Recently, ex-Pakistan captain Wasim Akram took a dig at the IPL’s duration, saying, “Bachche bade ho jate hain…woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. (Kids grow up…but that league just never ends).” This statement sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans and former players coming to the defense of the IPL.
Akram’s comment was seen as a veiled attack on the IPL’s lengthy schedule, which typically runs for about two months. The tournament features eight teams, each playing 14 matches in the group stage, followed by the playoffs and the final. While the IPL has become one of the most popular and lucrative T20 leagues in the world, its duration has been a subject of criticism, with some arguing that it is too long and exhausting for players.
However, not everyone agreed with Akram’s assessment. Trolling the former Pakistan captain, a fan commented, “Kids grow up…become big players, retire…and then still go on to play in PSL.” This comment was a reference to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is the counterpart to the IPL in Pakistan. The PSL has gained popularity in recent years, but it still lags behind the IPL in terms of viewership and revenue.
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 over the years, although the current political tensions between India and Pakistan have led to a ban on Pakistani players in the tournament.
The debate surrounding the IPL’s duration is not new. Many former players and experts have argued that the tournament is too long and should be shortened to reduce the workload on players. However, others have countered that the IPL’s duration is necessary to accommodate the large number of matches and teams, as well as to generate revenue for the teams and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
It’s worth noting that the IPL has undergone several changes in its format and schedule over the years. The tournament has expanded from 8 teams to 10 teams, and the number of matches has increased accordingly. However, the BCCI has also introduced measures to reduce the workload on players, such as the introduction of a mid-season transfer window and the option for teams to rest players during the tournament.
In contrast, the PSL has a shorter schedule, with six teams playing a total of 34 matches in the group stage and playoffs. The tournament typically runs for about a month, which is significantly shorter than the IPL. However, the PSL has struggled to attract the same level of attention and revenue as the IPL, despite its shorter duration.
Akram’s comment on the IPL’s duration has sparked a lively debate on social media, with many fans and former players weighing in on the issue. While some have agreed with Akram’s assessment, others have defended the IPL’s format and schedule. Ultimately, the debate surrounding the IPL’s duration is likely to continue, with no clear consensus in sight.
In conclusion, Wasim Akram’s dig at the IPL’s duration has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans and former players coming to the defense of the tournament. While the IPL’s duration is certainly a topic of discussion, it’s clear that the tournament has become an integral part of the cricket calendar, with a huge following and significant revenue generation. As the debate continues, it will be interesting to see how the BCCI and other stakeholders respond to the criticism and suggestions for reform.
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