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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has remained off-limits for Pakistani players for the past 17 years. While the inaugural season in 2008 saw 12 Pakistani cricketers participating in the tournament, they were barred from IPL following the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 and the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009. Since then, no Pakistani player has been a part of the world’s biggest T20 league, despite their continued success in the shortest format of the game.
Over the years, several Pakistani cricketers have expressed their desire to participate in the IPL, given the strong camaraderie between players from both nations. However, the strained political relations between India and Pakistan have remained a roadblock. Since 2012, India and Pakistan have not played any bilateral series, with their encounters limited to ICC events and Asia Cup tournaments.
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Rajeev Shukla’s Statement on Pakistani Players in IPL
Recently, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla addressed the long-standing question regarding the participation of Pakistani players in the IPL. During an interview on The Ranveer Show, Shukla made it clear that while Pakistani commentators and umpires have been part of the IPL, the decision on players’ inclusion lies primarily with the franchises.
“Pakistani commentators and umpires, we (BCCI) have involved them in the Indian Premier League. About the players, it all depends on the franchises,” Shukla stated. “They (franchises) do not pick the Pakistan players, and we also have not put them (in the auction list),” he added.
When asked if IPL franchises had ever expressed interest in signing Pakistani players, Shukla acknowledged that some teams had inquired about their inclusion but admitted that the situation remains complicated.
“There are a few franchises who do talk about Pakistani players in IPL, but by and large, things look tough at the moment,” he said.
Pakistani Cricketers’ Past Involvement in IPL
Although Pakistani players have been absent from the IPL since 2009, a few former cricketers have been associated with the tournament in different capacities. Legendary pacer Wasim Akram worked as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders, while former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja was a part of the commentary panel until IPL 2014.
Despite these exceptions, no active Pakistani cricketer has been allowed to participate in the tournament, and with the current political climate, a return for them in the IPL seems highly unlikely in the near future.
Future of India vs Pakistan Bilateral Series
In addition to the IPL discussion, Rajeev Shukla also spoke about the possibility of resuming India vs Pakistan bilateral series. He clarified that the BCCI does not have the authority to make the decision unilaterally and that government approval is essential for any cricketing engagement between the two nations.
“Right now, we don’t have permission from the government. It will happen sometime in the future. We still don’t have the permission to conduct a bilateral series at a neutral venue,” Shukla explained.
He further emphasized that any future series should ideally take place in India or Pakistan rather than at a neutral venue. However, security concerns remain a key factor in any discussions regarding bilateral cricket between the two nations.
“The idea is to play on each other’s soil. The government’s consent and security clearance are the two most important factors for an India vs Pakistan bilateral series to happen. The one incident on the Sri Lankan players disturbed the whole thing,” he added.
