Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali has expressed his desire to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the world's premier cricket leagues. This aspiration comes after a long hiatus for Pakistani players in the IPL, following political tensions between India and Pakistan that led to their exclusion from the league since 2009. Prior to this, several Pakistani cricketers, including notable names like Shoaib Akhtar and Sohail Tanvir, had featured in the IPL's inaugural edition in 2008.
"Every player wants to play IPL and it is my wish to play there. It is one of the biggest leagues in the world and I will definitely play there if there is an opportunity in the future," Hasan Ali told Samaa TV.
Ali, who recently showcased his skills during the World Cup 2023 in India, regards the IPL as one of the top cricket leagues globally. His performance in the World Cup was commendable, where he secured nine wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 6.29, including a four-wicket haul.
Ali's return to One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the World Cup was a comeback following an injury replacement for Naseem Shah, who sustained an ankle injury during the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match against India in Colombo.
In the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Hasan Ali has proven his mettle, playing for teams like Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United. His success in the PSL is notable, as he currently stands second on the list of the highest wicket-takers in the league's history, only trailing behind Wahab Riaz. With a tally of 94 wickets from 72 matches, Hasan is on the brink of reaching a significant milestone – becoming only the second bowler in PSL history to achieve 100 or more wickets.
Hasan Ali's aspirations to join the IPL reflect his ambition to compete in diverse cricketing environments and against a wide range of international talent. His track record in the PSL and recent international performances underscore his capabilities as a fast bowler. Should the opportunity arise for Pakistani players to rejoin the IPL, Hasan Ali stands as a promising candidate, bringing his experience and skill to one of the most competitive cricket leagues in the world.
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