Bachche Bade Ho Jaate Hai”: Wasim Akram Digs Up IPL Schedule, Calls PSL No. 1; Roasts Him IPL

One of the few Pakistani players to contribute as a coach and commentator in foreign leagues, Wasim Akram recently made headlines with his comments about T20 competitions. Speaking at an event to promote the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Akram stressed how the PSL’s short duration attracts foreign players. He mentioned that the league, which lasts for two to three months, seems monotonous. He also indirectly mentioned the IPL and said that the PSL is at the top in showcasing talent.

Wasim Akram praises PSL’s Shorter Schedule Over IPL

The league, which has 10 teams, usually lasts a little over two months. This season lasted 65 days, while the next edition was planned for almost the same period. However, due to the Pahalgam incident, it ended on June 3 after starting on March 22.

“The best thing about the league is that it lasts only 34-35 days, maybe a little more next year. It’s not like three months, like some other leagues. Kids grow up waiting; that league never ends. Foreign players, when they come here, prefer to stay for 35-40 days. Anything more than two and a half to three months – that seems a bit too much for everyone. I get bored too,” said a former player while promoting the event.

“A clear example is the BBL. They played for two and a half months initially. After a few years, they realised it wasn’t working. Now their schedule is about 40 days. That’s the charm of our league. And of course, the talent. The foreign players, when I talk to them, they mention bowling in other leagues. They say that in terms of quality our league is definitely the best because we focus on quality, not quantity.”

What Exactly Did Wasim Akram Say?

In the event, Akram praised the PSL’s shorter schedule, noting that it makes the league attractive to international stars. He suggested that the long leagues can become boring.

Without naming the IPL, he said: “The best thing about our league is that it lasts only 34-35 days. It is not like other leagues which last for three months. Bachche bade ho jaye hai, wo league khatam hi nahin hoti.”

Later, he mentioned the IPL separately and said that, in terms of talent, the PSL stands out.

IPL Lasts For Two Months

The IPL, which now has 10 teams, usually lasts for about two months. The 2024 edition lasted for 65 days, while the 2025 season, which was shortened due to a major incident, ran from March 22 to June 3.

“The best thing about this league is that it lasts for about 34-35 days, maybe a little more next year. It’s not like three months, like some other leagues. Bachche bade ho jaye hai, wo league khatam hi nahi hoti. Foreign players, when they come here, prefer to stay for 35-40 days. Beyond that – two and a half to three months – it seems too long for everyone. I also get bored,” Akram said.

Wasim Akram Praises PSL For Its Concise Timeline

Most IPL leagues last for about two months with dozens of matches, including the playoffs. While many global leagues have long schedules, the IPL is the longest.

Taking a subtle look at the marathon length, Akram praised the PSL for being short yet intense.

“The best thing about the PSL is that it will last for 34 days or a little more next year. It is not three months like other leagues. Bachay barai ho jata hai, wo league khatam hi nahin hoti,” Akram said.

The PSL usually has six teams and lasts for about a month, with the next edition scheduled to be held in May 2026.

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Wasim Akram Praises PSL, Criticises Long League

“The best thing about the league is that it is only 34-35 days, maybe a little longer next year. It is not like three months anywhere else. Bachche bade ho jaye hai, wo league khatam hi nahi hoti. Foreign players like to stay here for 35-40 days. Beyond that – two and a half to three months – it is too long for everyone. I also get bored,” Akram said.

“Look at other leagues like BBL. They started with a long schedule but realised it was not working. Now it is almost 40 days. That is the beauty of PSL. And the talent is exceptional. The foreign players I talk to always emphasise the quality of PSL. In terms of pure skill, it is number one – quality over quantity.”

Akram’s Explanation: Long Duration Is an Issue

During the PSL roadshow in London, Akram highlighted the contrast between the PSL’s tight schedule and the long-running league. His comment “bache bade ho jaye hai” reflected the sentiment that the long league could dampen their enthusiasm. With over 70 matches in some leagues, audience fatigue is common. His message is clear: short, high-intensity tournaments work better.

Why Is The PSL ‘Number 1’? According to Wasim

Akram was not just criticising the long league; he praised the PSL for its short, high-stakes format. He explained that the 34-35-day window attracts top overseas players whose international and league calendars are busy. He also emphasised the league’s strong bowling talent, which he believes gives it a competitive edge over leagues that focus primarily on star power.

Global Trend: Leaner Schedule

Akram’s view is in line with trends elsewhere. For example, Australia’s Big Bash League now runs on a tighter schedule to improve match intensity, demonstrating the benefits of a compact tournament. This reinforces Akram’s argument that shorter leagues can deliver higher-quality cricket.

The Foreign Player Factor

Scheduling affects the availability of international stars. Longer leagues can clash with other tournaments, often causing second-tier players to drop out of the game. Emerging leagues have changed this dynamic, forcing leagues to rethink timing. Akram notes that the PSL’s 35-day schedule makes it more attractive to top cricketers in a crowded global calendar.

Conclusion

Wasim Akram’s comments, while sharp, highlight a valid and ongoing debate in the cricketing community. Is the future of T20 tournaments shaped by long, festive schedules or short, high-energy formats? His criticism is a push for quality over quantity for a game that values ​​player energy and fan engagement. Whether such a league will ever be revived is uncertain, but as a great figure in cricket, Akram’s perspective keeps the conversation alive. For fans of the game, there is encouragement to enjoy the unique style of each competition, from extended excitement to short bursts of thrilling action.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the record of Wasim Akram?

Wasim Akram was recognized as one of the top cricketers in 1993 for his outstanding performance. In his Test career, he claimed 414 wickets in 104 matches, setting a record for Pakistan, with an average of 23.62. Additionally, he scored 2,898 runs at an average of 22.64. He also received an award for being a stylish sports personality in 2003.

Q2: How did Wasim Akram get diabetes?

Akram discovered he had diabetes in 1997 during a Test series. He had been feeling unusually tired, losing weight, and constantly thirsty, which led his father to insist he visit a doctor. Akram said it was a huge shock because he was a fit athlete with no family history of diabetes and never expected such a diagnosis.

Q3: What is the family background of Wasim Akram?

Wasim Akram was born on 3 June 1966 in Lahore. He belongs to a Punjabi family. His father, Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Arain, came from a village close to Amritsar. Following the partition of India in 1947, his family relocated to Pakistani Punjab.