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 cricket enthusiasts and experts weighing in on its format, duration, and overall impact on the sport. Recently, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram joined the conversation, taking a dig at the IPL’s duration with a remark that has sparked a mix of reactions from fans and critics alike. Akram’s comment, “Bachche bade ho jate hain…woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. (Kids grow up…but that league just never ends),” was likely intended to criticize the lengthy schedule of the IPL, but it ultimately backfired, with many taking to social media to troll the cricket legend.
The IPL, which typically runs for about two months, features eight teams competing in a round-robin format, followed by playoffs and the final. While the tournament has been incredibly successful, attracting top talent from around the world and drawing massive audiences, its duration has been a point of contention for some. Akram, who has been involved in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as a mentor and commentator, seemed to be suggesting that the IPL’s lengthy schedule is excessive and perhaps even boring.
However, fans were quick to point out the hypocrisy in Akram’s statement, given the similar format and duration of the PSL. One fan commented, “Kids grow up…become big players, retire…and then still go on to play in PSL.” This witty response highlights the fact that the PSL, which Akram has been involved with, also features a similar format and duration to the IPL. Another fan wrote, “Whether…league ends or not…Pakistanis’ obsession with IPL just never ends.” This comment touches on the perceived obsession of Pakistani fans with the IPL, despite the presence of their own domestic league, the PSL.
The trolling of Akram’s comment is not entirely unfounded, as the PSL has indeed faced similar criticisms regarding its format and duration. The tournament, which features six teams, runs for about a month and a half, with a similar round-robin format followed by playoffs and the final. While the PSL has been successful in its own right, attracting top Pakistani and international talent, it has struggled to match the IPL’s popularity and viewership.
Akram’s comment, while likely intended to be a lighthearted jab at the IPL, has ultimately sparked a broader conversation about the format and duration of domestic T20 leagues. As the cricket landscape continues to evolve, with new leagues and tournaments emerging around the world, it will be interesting to see how these competitions balance the need for exciting, competitive cricket with the demands of fans and players alike.
In the meantime, Akram’s remark has provided plenty of fodder for social media, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the topic. While some have defended Akram’s comment, arguing that the IPL’s duration is indeed excessive, others have poked fun at the former Pakistan captain’s perceived hypocrisy. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the world of cricket is always full of opinions, and social media is always ready to amplify them.
In conclusion, Wasim Akram’s dig at the IPL’s duration, while likely intended to be a harmless comment, has ultimately sparked a mix of reactions from fans and critics alike. As the cricket world continues to evolve, with new leagues and tournaments emerging, it will be interesting to see how these competitions balance the need for exciting, competitive cricket with the demands of fans and players alike. For now, Akram’s comment will likely be remembered as a lighthearted, if somewhat misguided, attempt to criticize the IPL’s format.
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