Indian Premier League is one of the most glamorous and sought-after T20-based cricket leagues in the world. Every cricketer dreams to be a part of this league, to showcase his talent to the world. Many players from Pakistan too have expressed their desired to play in the IPL.
But due to the strained relations between India and Pakistan, the players from Pakistan have missed out in recent years. However, IPL can receive a serious booster if Pakistan cricketers start playing in the cash-rich league. The national team boasts a couple of serious talents who can walk into the playing XI of any franchises.
We take a look at some of the players from Pakistan who can feature in the Indian Premier League:
1. Babar Azam in Delhi Capitals
Babar Azam is surely one of the best T20 batsmen in the world and could attract a bidding war in the IPL auctions. Delhi Capitals are missing an experienced middle-order batsman who could glue their batting line up together so that the big hitters could play freely.
Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith were bought by the Delhi Capitals to do the job, but both of them haven’t looked anywhere close to their best in the Indian Premier League in the last few years. Babar Azam will be the ideal man for Delhi Capitals in this situation.
He has the experience to play in difficult situations and can score runs at a quicker rate whenever needed by the team.
2. Shaheen Afridi in Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have struggled to find a pace bowler who can consistently bowl economically. Pacers leaking runs is one area that the RCB franchise would be keen to fix. The young Shaheen Afridi could prove to be an asset for them.
He not only contains the flow of runs but picks wickets at regular junctures, which takes a lot of pressure away from other pace bowlers. Shaheen’s ability to do this consistently at a good pace can become a concern for other franchises.
3. Imad Wasim in Sunrisers Hyderabad
The lack of batting depth hindered Sunrisers Hyderabad’s campaign this season. Their middle order’s and lower-middle order’s performance was dismal, to say the least. Hence, an all-rounder like Imad Wasim can help them to strike a perfect balance.
Imad will strengthen their side with his all-round capabilities and will bring experience to the side. Besides bowling and batting, Imad is also a gun fielder and can be a valuable addition to the Hyderabad side.
4. Fakhar Zaman in Kolkata Knight Riders
The Kolkata Knight Riders have a great bunch of youngsters in their squad but lack an experienced top order batsman. Fakhar Zaman fits into this requirement perfectly. Having experience of playing T20 cricket at the highest level the southpaw can provide flexibility to the KKR batting line-up.
He has a wide range of shots in his arsenal which allows him to play freely during any situation of the match. When he gets going, Fakhar can destroy any bowling attack across the field. Kolkata have favoured a right hand-left hand batting combination at the top and the Pakistan opener fits the bill perfectly to open with Shubman Gill.
5. Shahdab Khan in Chennai Super Kings
The wicket at Chepauk Stadium, which is the home to the Chennai Super Kings has predominantly favoured spin bowlers over the years. CSK’s skipper MS Dhoni has also backed his spinners the most on the Chepauk wicket.
Looking at the pitch conditions and CSK’s team composition over the years, Shahdab Khan is the perfect candidate for the Chennai Super Kings. Shahab Khan has an outstanding record in T20 matches, and if looked after properly has all the qualities to become a great T20 player.
He is also an excellent fielder and his addition can certainly be a booster for the Super Kings.
6. Mohammed Hafeez in Rajasthan Royals
Mohammed Hafeez has previously been part of the IPL in its inaugural edition. The veteran batsman is the correct choice for Rajasthan Royals. The Royals have struggled with their middle order in the absence of Ben Stokes. Their middle-order hasn’t been able to contribute to the team’s cause.
Hence, having an experienced batsman like Hafeez at number four would strengthen RR’s batting line-up. Hafeez has an excellent range of shots which help him to score at a brisk rate whenever required.
Besides, he is also a utility bowler and can come in handy in the middle overs to break partnerships.
7. Mohammed Amir in Mumbai Indians
Mohammed Amir is undoubtedly one of the best left-arm pacers in the world and could be useful for any franchise in the India Premier League. There have also been talks about Amir settling permanently as a citizen in the UK, which will automatically make him eligible to play in the Indian Premier League.
While Mumbai Indians look to be the best side on paper, the inclusion of Mohammed Amir to their side could prove to be a serious concern for other teams. His experience and Imagine Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and Amir bowling together, the thought is itself very worrisome for any batsman in the world.
8. Wahab Riaz in Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings have suffered the most because of their inconsistent bowling attack. Their bowling attack has failed to pick wickets consistently or stop the flow of runs in the recent IPL season.
The Kings need a pace bowler who picks wickets at regular intervals and thus help them to restrict the opposition at low totals. With Wahab Riaz’s loads of experience and fearsome pace, he has rattled the stumps of many batsmen in the world. Wahab could be a fierce addition to the Punjab side.