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 cricketers and experts weighing in on its format, scheduling, and overall impact on the sport. Recently, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram joined the conversation, taking a dig at the IPL’s duration. In a statement that has sparked a lot of debate, Akram said, “Bachche bade ho jate hain…woh league khatam hi nahi hoti. (Kids grow up…but that league just never ends).” The comment was seen as a veiled criticism of the IPL’s lengthy schedule, which often stretches for over two months.
However, Akram’s remark did not go down well with fans, who were quick to troll him on social media. One fan commented, “Kids grow up…become big players, retire…and then still go on to play in PSL.” This comment was a clear reference to the fact that many retired players continue to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is Pakistan’s own T20 franchise league. 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 the significant following and interest that the IPL enjoys in Pakistan.
The exchange has sparked a lively debate about the relative merits of the IPL and the PSL. While Akram has been a vocal supporter of the PSL, calling it the “number one” league in the world, many fans disagree. They point out that the IPL is widely regarded as one of the premier T20 leagues in the world, attracting top talent from around the globe and offering a highly competitive and entertaining brand of cricket.
The duration of the IPL has been a topic of discussion for several years, with some critics arguing that the league is too long and exhausting for players. The current format of the IPL features 10 teams, with each team playing 14 matches in the group stage. The top four teams then qualify for the playoffs, which consist of two qualifying matches, an eliminator, and the final. The entire tournament typically lasts for around 60-70 days, which is a significant commitment for players, coaches, and support staff.
On the other hand, the PSL is a shorter tournament, featuring six teams and a total of 34 matches. The league stage typically lasts for around 30-40 days, followed by the playoffs and the final. While the PSL is undoubtedly a popular and competitive tournament, it still lags behind the IPL in terms of global recognition, viewership, and financial muscle.
Akram’s comment about the IPL’s duration has also sparked a debate about the impact of the league on international cricket. Some critics argue that the IPL’s lengthy schedule can be detrimental to international cricket, as it often clashes with bilateral series and other tournaments. This can lead to player fatigue, injuries, and a lack of preparation for international matches.
However, others argue that the IPL has been a game-changer for Indian cricket, providing a platform for young players to develop their skills and gain exposure to top-level competition. The league has also been credited with improving the standard of cricket in India, with many Indian players going on to achieve success at the international level.
In conclusion, Wasim Akram’s comment about the IPL’s duration has sparked a lively debate about the relative merits of the IPL and the PSL. While Akram’s remark was seen as a dig at the IPL, it has also highlighted the complexities and challenges of scheduling and managing T20 leagues. As the cricket world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the IPL and other leagues adapt to the changing landscape and prioritize the needs of players, fans, and the sport as a whole.
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