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. Akram’s comment, however, backfired, and he found himself at the receiving end of trolls 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 typically runs for about two months, featuring 74 matches in its latest edition. Akram’s comment was seen as a veiled criticism of the IPL’s duration, implying that the tournament is too long and dragged out.
However, Akram’s comment did not go down well with fans, particularly those who support the IPL. Trolling Akram, a fan commented, “Kids grow up…become big players, retire…and then still go on to play in PSL.” This response was a clever retort, highlighting the fact that many players continue to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) even after retiring from international cricket. The comment was a subtle dig at the PSL, implying that it is not as competitive or attractive as the IPL.
Another fan wrote, “Whether…league ends or not…Pakistanis’ obsession with IPL just never ends.” This comment was a witty observation, pointing out that despite the criticism, many Pakistani fans and experts, including Akram, seem to be fixated on the IPL. The comment suggested that Akram’s remark was hypocritical, given the significant attention and interest that the IPL generates in Pakistan.
Akram’s comment also sparked a debate about the relative merits of the IPL and the PSL. While Akram called the PSL the “number one” league, many fans disagreed, arguing that the IPL is the more popular and successful tournament. The IPL’s massive following, lucrative television deals, and high-profile players are often cited as evidence of its superiority.
The exchange between Akram and the fans highlights the intense rivalry and competition between the IPL and the PSL. Both leagues have their strengths and weaknesses, and fans of each tournament are passionate about defending their favorite competition. However, the debate also reveals a deeper issue – the perception that the IPL is the gold standard of T20 leagues, and other tournaments, including the PSL, are trying to catch up.
In recent years, the PSL has gained popularity, with many top international players participating in the tournament. However, it still lags behind the IPL in terms of viewership, revenue, and overall appeal. The PSL’s shorter duration, typically lasting about a month, is often seen as a positive aspect, allowing for a more condensed and exciting schedule.
In contrast, the IPL’s lengthy schedule has been criticized for being too long and exhausting for players. The tournament’s format, featuring 10 teams and 74 matches, can be overwhelming for fans, leading to a decrease in interest and attention span. However, the IPL’s organizers argue that the tournament’s duration is necessary to accommodate the large number of teams and matches, ensuring that each team plays a sufficient number of games.
Ultimately, the debate between Akram and the fans reflects the complex and often contentious nature of cricket fandom. While Akram’s comment was intended as a lighthearted dig at the IPL, it sparked a heated response from fans, revealing the deep-seated rivalries and biases that exist in the cricket world.
As the IPL and the PSL continue to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how they address the issues of duration, format, and appeal. While the IPL remains the most popular and successful T20 league, the PSL is gaining ground, and other tournaments, such as the Big Bash League and the Caribbean Premier League, are also vying for attention. As the cricket landscape continues to shift, fans can expect more lively debates and discussions about the merits of each tournament.
About the Author
