As a Pakistani, do you follow or watch the IPL?

[MenInG]

Putting aside your views on the whole India Pakistan political situation, as a cricket fan from Pakistan (or one who supports Pakistan), do you follow or watch IPL?

If so why, if not - why not?

 

[sadida97]

Putting aside your views on the whole India Pakistan political situation, as a cricket fan from Pakistan (or one who supports Pakistan), do you follow or watch IPL?

If so why, if not - why not?

Only highlights

 

[Kroll]

Nope, if the IPL bans Pakistani players and I don't care about the excuses as why, then I don't see why anyone from Pakistan or Pak should give it the time of day.

It's ridiculous to exclude players due to nationality in this day and age especially given the current BLM movement and fight against discrimination and hate from sport across the world.

It's just making a mockery of the whole thing and I don't see how players from England, Australia etc can take the knee in all seriousness.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes. I don’t care if Pakistani players play or not. I am happy to watch the best white ball players in the world play against each other in a very competitive environment.

 

[HussainZ]

Yes I do as It's a source of good entertainment for any ordinary cricket fan like me.

 

[HussainZ]

Yes. I don’t care if Pakistani players play or not. I am happy to watch the best white ball players in the world play against each other in a very competitive environment.

Yeah it makes more sense for a Pakistani to watch IPL over some football game in a Spanish or German league

 

[ataullah]

I don't want to watch due to them calling us a terrorist nation and not including Pakistan players. . Also the way they call PSL pensioners league and then select Dan Christian is hilarious

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Nope. Don't care about it at all.

 

[Hasan123]

The IPL comes on when there is no international cricket usually on. So it’s either that or no cricket lol. But the reasons I watch the IPL are due to getting to watch the best players in the world play with and against each other. Seeing Kohli and AB bat together is a dream made possible in the IPL. Just like Ashwin bowling to Dhoni or Rohit.

People forget that is cricket is a source of entertainment for us as well. I enjoy watching cricket. If you don’t enjoy the best players in the world playing each other that is weird. I don’t see an issue in watching the IPL even if Pakistan players aren’t involved. That isn’t the players fault.

 

[Greenstorm]

Any self respecting Pakistani will refrain from following Indian league.

 

[Uzi]

Definitely not.

 

[dildilpak]

Yes where else can u see match ups like Bumrah vs Kohli, Rabada vs. ABD, Smith vs. Hazelwood, Williamson vs Boult etc. Also love the batting combos like Kohli-ABD, Williamson-Warner or Sachin-Ponting for that matter. And probably the only place where we see the Windies stars! I am hopeful one day we may even see KL Rahul and Babar, Fakhar Zaman and Dhawan bat together and Babar vs. Shaheen in IPL! And I really do believe PSL will have these kind of combos soon. But till then it is just the IPL.

 

[ssuhaide]

I don't give it the time of day. Haven't watched IPL in years and for the same reason as others have mentioned. (Lack of Pakistani players-I consider it unfair and unjust).

I'm generally not a fan of domestic T20 leagues but occasionally watch the Natwest blast and do enjoy attending the English T20 domestic games (with my kids pre lockdown of course).

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Never had, and I guess never will.

 

[hitthestump]

I genuinely couldn't care less.

 

[Muhammad Kaleem]

I neither have any interest nor spare time for IPL. I am simply not into these t20 league crap in general but IPL is worst as it is completely void of Pakistani players, and because its clips and highlights are absent from Youtube so it is never on my mind.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Nope, T20 leagues aren't really worth watching. Even PSL, sometimes I just watch it because there is nothing else on or to see some of the younger players.

 

[Bilal7]

Nope. I have no interest in watching retired players lumber around the field while faking enthusiasm for whichever poorly named team paid them the most money that year. This goes for any T20 league, I don't have anything against the IPL per say.

I might follow a couple of matches of the Chennai Super Kings this season but only because Moeen Ali is playing and I'll be watching the T20I match tomorrow anyway.

 

[Slim]

Nope, dont think any channel even has bought the rights as the market for ipl in pakistan is almost negligible. It isnt being broadcasted by any sports channel since past few years.

 

[Mamoon]

Viewership in Pakistan has certainly declined big time after the emergence of the low budget, cheap imitation of IPL called PSL.

Prior to 2016, people would regularly watch IPL (whether they admit on PP or not) regardless of the ban on Pakistani which is actually self-inflicted because of the stunt PCB pulled off in 2009 which backfired in the most spectacular fashion.

 

[Line and Length]

Not really. Tbh even if Pakistani players were in IPL I don’t think I’d watch too much of it. Probably more than I do now, but still wouldn’t follow it religiously. I’m a big football fan and obviously a big Pakistan cricket fan as well, adding IPL would just be overkill and I wouldn’t get much time to do anything else in the day.

 

[Line and Length]

Nope, T20 leagues aren't really worth watching. Even PSL, sometimes I just watch it because there is nothing else on or to see some of the younger players.

This is also very true. Don’t think there would be much of a point watching PSL either for me if it wasn’t to watch the younger players get some exposure. T20 leagues attract a lot of casual fans, which is great, but they’re not something that I would break my back to watch.

 

[ayemgilani86]

Putting aside your views on the whole India Pakistan political situation, as a cricket fan from Pakistan (or one who supports Pakistan), do you follow or watch IPL?

If so why, if not - why not?

I don't watch any T20 league, its low quality, extremely small grounds and batting friendly pitches or slow wickets that just encourage left arm spinners. Unless something classic happens like a DeVilliers vs Steyn its not fun. I hate IPL the most because I don't follow cricket for 2 months because of garbage IPL and how no one is allowed to criticize it by Indian propaganda machinery

 

[El Generico]

No, I am more of a Pakistan cricket fan than a cricket fan. I have no interest in matches that don’t involve Pakistan or at least Pakistani cricketers.

 

[princeuk]

I watched it the first year it was introduced but since then no.

 

[Ozeirk]

Don't watch it

 

[Abid Z]

Honestly...I don’t watch any t20 leagues apart from PSL. IPL I avoid like the plague but at least others I’ll pause for a few seconds while flipping through channels. Ipl always seemed more showbiz than cricket and really I’m lost in the whole Tamasha of it. I guess if there were Pakistani players there it would be something to look at.

I was quite hooked on the ICL and first IPL probably more out of curiosity but now no. It actually disgusts me.

 

[Ryw]

Since there are no Pakistani players in IPL, I dont follow it.

 

[salahuddin10]

If people from Pak are following football leagues than ig they would probably be watching the ipl too

 

[Shams123]

I only follow rcb matches because of AB and Kohli. Otherwise, I avoid it as there are no Pakistani players.

Though I do think its the best league and consistently produces high quality cricket.

 

[Rana]

I watch it to see what the hype is all about...

 

[ahmadharis1]

I watch it, best T20 league in my opinion.

 

[salahuddin10]

I am sure its viewership in Pak can be atleast 70 percent of that of Psl if miraculously Pak players are allowed

 

[The Viper]

I follow it and check the scores etc. I catch a few overs if I have time, and watch the highlights.

The main draw is the quality of players; you get to watch the premium overseas players coupled with the premium Indian players. It's the only place you can see ABDV/Kohli, Bumrah/Boult, Rohit/QDK etc.

 

[ElRaja]

not since the first season where i supported rajhastan for the novelty and the fact that its the closest franchise to my name.

tbh ive come to see it as a welcome break from cricket, then when it over im usually excited for return of international cricket.

its great for the players tho, jst a shame pak players miss out. would love to see how guys like sharjeel stayed unfit if it meant missing out on big money contracts.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

It’s not easy league to watch. Not on YouTube

 

[eastside]

No

 

[NoBallZombie]

Dont think I have ever watched a single ipl game barring the first edition.

 

[NoBallZombie]

Viewership in Pakistan has certainly declined big time after the emergence of the low budget, cheap imitation of IPL called PSL.

Prior to 2016, people would regularly watch IPL (whether they admit on PP or not) regardless of the ban on Pakistani which is actually self-inflicted because of the stunt PCB pulled off in 2009 which backfired in the most spectacular fashion.

Not sure how you can vouch for “most” Pakistanis watching ipl. Looks like your usual delusional self. The Pakistanis I know don’t have a clue about ipl. Heck even the indians at my work place don’t watch ipl. I don’t think I would waste my precious time on a league that is anti-cricket and anti-Pakistan no matter what anyone says.

Atleast in your post you admitted the psl has had an effect on ipl.... that’s a start and there is still hope for you then!

 

[PakLFC]

I do not watch the IPL or PSL for that matter. Just never gotten in to such T20 tournaments at all. Only international Cricket interests me.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

I don't think the tournament is even marketed outside India. BCCI and IPL is happy with eyeballs and advertising money coming out of Indian Audience.

 

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

To tell truth it’s not really followed In Pakistan primarily because it’s hard to follow. Pre PSL it was a bit more I think

 

[Bigboii]

Nah never outside of PCT and sometimes important PSL matches of LQ I don't watch random leagues

 

[Ahmed216]

T20 cricket in general is not my cup of tea.
I watch only when Pak players are involved

 

[Mo Dipsy]

I watched a match in 2008. My first and only time. Haven't watched any IPL since then. I would watch again if Pakistanis were allowed to play

 

[kingusama92]

Sometimes.

Usually, if a player I find entertaining is playing (i.e. AB De Villiers).

 

[Usman Chadda]

No. Why would a Pakistani watch it? It’s difficult to relate to any team whatsoever, in addition to the bad blood between the two nations at the moment.

 

[TheNightWatchman]

No,
Because T20 league cricket is definitely not something I enjoy. Over the years it's become more and more commercialised. Even in international cricket, T20 is my least favourite format of the game but it's much more bearable than league cricket.
I watched the first IPL closely with all the legends playing, "warne, gilchrist, afridi in his prime" plus it was pretty novel at that time. Watched the next few IPLs sporadically for a while but I left it eventually because it just wasn't my thing.

I do understand the appeal though. I never watched 1 season of PSL because I don't like watching T20 leagues. but a friend told me to watch the shaheen vs babar battle which I thought was entertaining so i can imagine why people would like to see the best pitted against the best

 

[TheNightWatchman]

Also league cricket takes the stakes out of everything. Not even close to high intense as International matches can be. Which is pretty interesting considering how club football manages to get those intense high stakes feel.

 

[Gullycricket]

Nope because I consider it hijacking of international cricket. Players are now bound to mould their views to please BCCI and Indian cricket due to fear of losing IPL contracts.

 

[Giannis]

I've never seen the IPL in my life

 

[Devadwal]

I genuinely believe not many Pakistanis watch Ipl. Mainly because there are no Pakistani players so it's hard to connect with any team. Also, it's basically based on anti-pakistani sentiment and many people with self respect would avoid that.

Ok fine if they never watched then how they comments about IPL qwality??

 

[Giannis]

Ok fine if they never watched then how they comments about IPL qwality??

I'm sure you can check stats on cricinfo. I've asked my cousins in Pakistan, none of them watch the IPL, I don't they think they even broadcast it over there.

 

[Abdullah Rabbani]

Never watched ipl since 2015

 

[Devadwal]

I'm sure you can check stats on cricinfo. I've asked my cousins in Pakistan, none of them watch the IPL, I don't they think they even broadcast it over there.

You can't judge league qwality by only stats .you have to Watched live to give any judgement .infect Pakistani youtubers including Former pakistan Cricketers Analysis IPL matches more than Indian's just search on YouTube.

 

[Giannis]

You can't judge league qwality by only stats .you have to Watched live to give any judgement .infect Pakistani youtubers including Former pakistan Cricketers Analysis IPL matches more than Indian's just search on YouTube.

Youtubers are trying to make money off the Indian audience, one of the reasons why Shoaib Akhtar hit a million subscribers so fast is cause most of his subs are from India. Pakistani youtubers know where the money is, it doesn't really interest Pakistanis though.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Whatever reason is but fact is Pakistan people's Watched IPL but they can't just admit it

The disdain for IPL is real. A Pakistani cannot relate to any team, and neither do we want to considering the strained relations. You cannot equate money hungry Youtubers to the average Pakistani, with all due respect.

 

[Devadwal]

lol Pakistanis are saying they don't watch it, why are you so pressed? IPL doesn't cater to a Pakistani audience and I don't think it's even broadcasted over there so why are you surprised? Lol. Domestic sports is usually boring for outsiders cause they can't feel passionate about a city they have no connection to, it's different with European football since those clubs have a long heritage but IPL doesn't have that legacy.

Yes boring still they analysis about IPL lol then where is self-respect which peoples talking about in this thread . whole World Watched IPL it's may be Indian domestic Sport but IPL IS GLOBAL BRAND anyone like it or not but that's the truth

 

[Sunny_majoka]

no, I don't watch it, not interested at all,

 

[Devadwal]

The disdain for IPL is real. A Pakistani cannot relate to any team, and neither do we want to considering the strained relations. You cannot equate money hungry Youtubers to the average Pakistani, with all due respect.

Indian players don't play in any league but when I'm free i watched any leauge which ongoing at that time including PSL bcz I'm cricket lover

 

[Major]

I have barely watched any crickrt that doesnt involve pakistani players. Thus, the only time i get to see indian batting talent is when they play against us.

I dont even watch these cpl or other leagues, however i would watch ipl if our players were there.

That being said, in pakistan ebrry shop keeper has his tv on during ipl season.

 

[Sunzi]

Historically no, although I did watch the inaugural season when Pakistani's were included.

Life during the pandemic has meant that I rely on live sport in the background as an accompaniment to get through the "working from home" culture. Cricket particularly in the sub-continent (due to time difference) has been a God-send in this regard. I will continue to keep an eye on the IPL but will be switching over to the snooker (World Championships) from next week.

 

[Mamoon]

Not sure how you can vouch for “most” Pakistanis watching ipl. Looks like your usual delusional self. The Pakistanis I know don’t have a clue about ipl. Heck even the indians at my work place don’t watch ipl. I don’t think I would waste my precious time on a league that is anti-cricket and anti-Pakistan no matter what anyone says.

Atleast in your post you admitted the psl has had an effect on ipl.... that’s a start and there is still hope for you then!

You are delusional if you think Pakistanis did not watch and follow IPL until the emergence of PSL.

Everyone watched IPL in its first season because of the presence of Pakistani players. Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers had more support than others because they had the likes of Akhtar, Gul and Afridi.

After PCB shot itself in the foot in 2009 and Pakistani players lost their IPL contracts, Pakistanis would still watch and follow IPL. Our channels would show IPL for years and it would be watched by people in every restaurant, every shop etc.

Those who think there was no interest in IPL in Pakistan from 2008 to 2014-15 are either those don’t live in Pakistan and those don’t have a clue or those who are in denial.

Also, PSL does not have the capacity to have any effect on IPL. IPL is a different beast compared to a low-budget, cheap copy cat like PSL. It is a bigger brand than Pakistan cricket itself, let alone PSL.

These small leagues like PSL, CPL, LPL, BBL, Natwest T20 etc. can do nothing to touch or hurt IPL.

My point is and waa is that PSL offered Pakistani fans an alternative to IPL and that is why the interest in IPL dropped.

The IPL is only getting bigger and bigger every year so the loss of Pakistani viewership has not hurt them in any shape or form.

 

[MHN1293]

I dont watch it just check the scorecards every once in a while.

 

[Saj]

I'm not a big fan of T20 leagues but I'll watch the IPL if Pakistan aren't playing, mainly due to the fact that there are many world-class players playing in the IPL.

 

[IMMY69]

I'm gonna watch some games this season.
Only because I've been so negative around T20 leagues and maybe I've just missed the point of them.

So I'm reserving judgement on the IPL for now.

 

[Slim]

I have barely watched any crickrt that doesnt involve pakistani players. Thus, the only time i get to see indian batting talent is when they play against us.

I dont even watch these cpl or other leagues, however i would watch ipl if our players were there.

That being said, in pakistan ebrry shop keeper has his tv on during ipl season.

His TV on to what? No channel has been broadcasting IPL since quite a few years. Stop falsifying.

 

[Rajdeep]

Nope. I have no interest in watching retired players lumber around the field while faking enthusiasm for whichever poorly named team paid them the most money that year. This goes for any T20 league, I don't have anything against the IPL per say.

I might follow a couple of matches of the Chennai Super Kings this season but only because Moeen Ali is playing and I'll be watching the T20I match tomorrow anyway.

The absolute irony of the post is you mentioned you have no interest in watching old players lumber around the field but then want to follow CSK matches which is basically a retirement home

 

[Smudger]

IPL is not broadcasted in Pakistan for a few years now.

 

[Raja Ishtiaq]

Yes where else can u see match ups like Bumrah vs Kohli, Rabada vs. ABD, Smith vs. Hazelwood, Williamson vs Boult etc. Also love the batting combos like Kohli-ABD, Williamson-Warner or Sachin-Ponting for that matter. And probably the only place where we see the Windies stars! I am hopeful one day we may even see KL Rahul and Babar, Fakhar Zaman and Dhawan bat together and Babar vs. Shaheen in IPL! And I really do believe PSL will have these kind of combos soon. But till then it is just the IPL.

The IPL comes on when there is no international cricket usually on. So it’s either that or no cricket lol. But the reasons I watch the IPL are due to getting to watch the best players in the world play with and against each other. Seeing Kohli and AB bat together is a dream made possible in the IPL. Just like Ashwin bowling to Dhoni or Rohit.

People forget that is cricket is a source of entertainment for us as well. I enjoy watching cricket. If you don’t enjoy the best players in the world playing each other that is weird. I don’t see an issue in watching the IPL even if Pakistan players aren’t involved. That isn’t the players fault.

I follow it and check the scores etc. I catch a few overs if I have time, and watch the highlights.

The main draw is the quality of players; you get to watch the premium overseas players coupled with the premium Indian players. It's the only place you can see ABDV/Kohli, Bumrah/Boult, Rohit/QDK etc.

For Gods sake I DONT CARE about seeing these weird combinations. Kohli/De Villiers , Bumrah/Boult - SO WHAT?

You think either or these foreign imports care about winning or losing? They are there to get to their money. Thats it

Ofcourse they love pretending to be hyped up and enthusiastic but it's all drama.

So why would I watch a league where players deep down players dont care about the outcome of the games. Got better things to do.

[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] lol at competitive

 

[Extra_Cover]

Nope, I don't watch IPL and have never watched it apart from first season.

As one poster pointed out I'm more of a Pakistan Cricket fan rather than a Cricket fan. I would sometimes go out of my way to watch/follow QEA or Pakistan Cup etc but would not find time for IPL even if its on in a local cafe or restaurant. The reason is simple which is "attachment", I'm more attached to Pakistani cricket/players which dictates me in watching in leagues associated with Pak players. I would even only watch/follow a particular CPL, Big bash, etc which would have Pakistani players in them.

 

[Romali_rotti]

As an Indian and Aus fan, I Do not watch the IPL.. Its just boring for me...

 

[Saj]

IPL is not broadcasted in Pakistan for a few years now.

It used to be.

Why is not shown these days?

 

[Adil_94]

No the only league i watch is PSL because u get to see up an coming talents that are emerging in Pakistan and players that potentially could play for Pakistan. I dont really have an interest in watching t20 leagues outside the PSL.

Franchise Cricket is good for honing skills but i dont take it as serious as intl cricket.

 

[MenInG]

Is it that difficult to just watch cricket without thinking about nationalities?

 

[Usman]

No I don't watch it and I guarantee that the vast majority of Pakistanis don't either. I can explain why - it's got nothing to do with tensions between India and Pakistan.

The thing about the IPL is that there are a huge number of matches, most of which will come on during UK working hours. So in order to watch the matches and get into it, you really need a solid reason. Without Pakistani players in the league, there's just not enough motivation to go out of your way to watch it.

I guess it might be different for students who have a lot more time than working people.

 

[WengerOut]

Irony is that, it is being claimed that most of Pak fans dont follow IPL but almost all of them debate about its "lack of quality".

 

[IMMY69]

Is it that difficult to just watch cricket without thinking about nationalities?

I'm going to make an effort to do just this..
Surely there has to be some truth in what all the participants say about it

 

[UzmanBeast]

You are delusional if you think Pakistanis did not watch and follow IPL until the emergence of PSL.

Everyone watched IPL in its first season because of the presence of Pakistani players. Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers had more support than others because they had the likes of Akhtar, Gul and Afridi.

After PCB shot itself in the foot in 2009 and Pakistani players lost their IPL contracts, Pakistanis would still watch and follow IPL. Our channels would show IPL for years and it would be watched by people in every restaurant, every shop etc.

Those who think there was no interest in IPL in Pakistan from 2008 to 2014-15 are either those don’t live in Pakistan and those don’t have a clue or those who are in denial.

Also, PSL does not have the capacity to have any effect on IPL. IPL is a different beast compared to a low-budget, cheap copy cat like PSL. It is a bigger brand than Pakistan cricket itself, let alone PSL.

These small leagues like PSL, CPL, LPL, BBL, Natwest T20 etc. can do nothing to touch or hurt IPL.

My point is and waa is that PSL offered Pakistani fans an alternative to IPL and that is why the interest in IPL dropped.

The IPL is only getting bigger and bigger every year so the loss of Pakistani viewership has not hurt them in any shape or form.

Quite well put.

Yes, we should support our own product being the PSL, but in comparison with IPL, PSL is far behind.

That's only a sign for the PCB to improve the league, either by increasing the cashouts or going a step further to invite foreign stars to the league.

If PCB is smart, they'll try to host PSL 7 during a window where the international calendar is barren, usually right after the English summer is a decent window.

IPL is no longer a league, it's a brand and it is incredibly well supported and followed. Nobody on Earth would watch Azam Khan vs some random fast bowler ahead of De Villiers vs Bumrah. ]

Until the PSL can attract more names, it's viewership quality, and the quality of the matches will stay far behind IPL.

Right now, PSL should be keenly looking at the benched players on IPL teams, or the players who go unpicked in auctions. Those players would be willing to earn money in the PSL, so PCB should target those players ahead of others. Once you get one or two big players from a playing nation in your league, it can have a positive influence on the other members of the team. After Saqib Mahmood, Jason Roy, and other English cricketers, who knows how long it is before someone like Bairstow or Root signs up for the league.

 

[Sunzi]

Irony is that, it is being claimed that most of Pak fans dont follow IPL but almost all of them debate about its "lack of quality".

At the risk of derailing the thread, I think such suggestions are ridiculous when you consider the strides Indian cricket has made since the inception of the IPL. Not only is it about professional and ultra competitive cricket but also the nurturing of talent as England quite recently discovered during the white ball leg of their tour.