PSL Players Join IPL

PSL Players Join IPL : Two Foreign Stars Exit PSL Mid-Season to Join IPL 2025 — PCB Faces Setback

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PSL Players Join IPL : The cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan often spills off the field — and into administrative decisions as well. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has long been accused of attempting to counteract the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but it seldom yields any positive outcome for them. The latest instance once again highlights how this rivalry backfires — this time, with the PCB trying to reschedule PSL matches to clash directly with the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

IPL vs PSL: Same Start Date, But One Clear Winner

Following political tensions between India and Pakistan, both leagues were temporarily halted. Soon after the IPL’s restart date was confirmed as May 17, the PCB surprisingly announced the resumption of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on the same day. The intent was clear — to challenge the IPL’s dominance. However, once again, the outcome has tilted heavily in favor of the BCCI.

Instead of impacting the IPL, the decision seems to have backfired on Pakistan. Two key foreign players left their PSL franchises midway through the season to join IPL teams — highlighting not just a scheduling failure but also the lure of the IPL.

Foreign Players Choose IPL Over PSL

Due to the ongoing political unrest and rescheduling chaos, several international cricketers returned to their home countries, leaving both leagues scrambling for player availability. However, the BCCI managed to convince most of its players to return to India for the IPL restart — a feat the PCB couldn’t replicate.

In a major blow to the PSL, Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen, who was playing under Babar Azam’s captaincy for Peshawar Zalmi, has terminated his contract mid-season to join Punjab Kings in the IPL. Owen was roped in as a replacement for the injured Glenn Maxwell just before the IPL’s restart.

Interestingly, Owen didn’t even return to Australia. Instead, he flew straight to India after the PSL matches, skipping his return to Pakistan — a move that has raised eyebrows.

Similarly, Sri Lankan batter Kusal Mendis, who had been playing for Quetta Gladiators, has signed a deal with Gujarat Titans to replace Jos Buttler, who is not expected to return for the remaining IPL matches. Mendis had a promising run in PSL 2025 with a strike rate of 168 and a total of 143 runs.

PCB Faces Major Setback Amid Player Exodus

Although Owen didn’t have an extraordinary PSL campaign — scoring just 102 runs at an average of 14.57 and taking two wickets in eight matches — his recent Big Bash League success had made him a key asset. On the other hand, Mendis was proving to be a powerful presence for Quetta.

Their sudden exit is not just a hit to the team dynamics but also a financial and reputational setback for the Pakistan Super League and the PCB. While the exact signing amounts have not been disclosed, insiders suggest both players were offered significantly higher contracts by the IPL franchises — strong enough to walk away from ongoing PSL commitments.

IPL 2025 Gains Momentum as PSL 2025 Stumbles

The departure of foreign players from the PSL 2025 mid-season raises serious questions about the PCB’s handling of scheduling, finances, and player retention. On the other hand, the IPL continues to assert its dominance as the most lucrative and influential T20 league globally.

While the PCB attempted to show strength by matching IPL’s restart date, they may have underestimated the IPL’s pulling power. With the league now regaining its momentum and rosters filling up with top-tier players, it’s clear which board is truly in control.

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