Inzamam ul Haq has shared huge take on BCCI. Photo: IANS/AP
Pakistan welcomed back an ICC event after nearly 3 decades and the country is hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hosting the ICC event, scheduled to conclude on March 9. But PCB isn't hosting the first semi-final. The final will also be moved out of Pakistan if India make it to the summit clash.
India are playing their matches in Dubai and their semi-final and final (should they qualify) will also be played in Dubai. Amid the BCCI's domination in world cricket, former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul Haq has asked for the cricketing boards to unite against India.
Speaking on a Pakistani TV channel, Inzamam said: "Keep aside the Champions Trophy. Top players participate in IPL but Indian players don't participate in other leagues. Other boards should stop sending their players to IPL. If you (BCCI) don't release your players for leagues, then other boards should take a stance."
Players from around the world (barring Pakistan) land in India for IPL while the BCCI does not allow its players to play in foreign leagues. An Indian player has to retire from Indian cricket, including IPL, to be eligible to play overseas leagues.
An Indian player is only allowed to play county cricket and List A cricket in England until he retires. Those who have participated in overseas leagues can't make a return in BCCI's tournaments.
Interestingly, many foreign players have also missed international cricket to participate in IPL. Ahead of the 2019 World Cup, some of the foreign players even missed their final series before the ICC event.
Pakistan players have only been part of one IPL season (in 2008). They were part of the IPL 2009 auction but went unsold. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood played IPL only after acquiring British citizenship. He played for Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
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