[EXCLUSIVE] “PSL is not even close to IPL standards”: Atiq-uz-Zaman

[The Bald Eagle]

In our latest exclusive interview, Atiq-uz-Zaman, former Pakistan Test cricketer and ECB Level 4 qualified coach, delivers a no-holds-barred analysis of Pakistan cricket’s systemic issues, from flawed PSL strategies to Babar Azam’s technical struggles. With decades of global coaching experience, Atiq exposes the gaps in player development, management failures, and the cultural roadblocks stifling progress.Key topics include:

• Shocking PSL selections: Why franchises prioritize "entertainment" over merit.
• PSL vs IPL: The glaring quality gap and scheduling conflicts.
• Karachi Stadium chaos: Blocked roads, poor facilities, and fan neglect.
• Babar Azam’s 4-year technical flaw: Why coaches failed to fix it.
• PCB’s reputation crisis: Mishandling foreign coaches like Gillespie and Kirsten.
• Local vs foreign coaches: Why Pakistan must follow India’s blueprint.
• Overqualified coaches: "Is it a crime to be overqualified?"
• Mental health in cricket: Why Babar needs a sports psychologist.
• Women in men’s cricket: Atiq’s controversial stance on coaching roles.

Watch the latest interview with Saj here:

 

[BouncerGuy]

I agree with atiq.

People who are saying that PSL is a big brand, they are delusional. PSL is nowhere near IPL... It will take few more years until we can talk about it.

 

[volcyz]

PSL is theplayground of the washed up and hasbeens

 

[LordJames]

In our latest exclusive interview, Atiq-uz-Zaman, former Pakistan Test cricketer and ECB Level 4 qualified coach, delivers a no-holds-barred analysis of Pakistan cricket’s systemic issues, from flawed PSL strategies to Babar Azam’s technical struggles. With decades of global coaching experience, Atiq exposes the gaps in player development, management failures, and the cultural roadblocks stifling progress.Key topics include:

• Shocking PSL selections: Why franchises prioritize "entertainment" over merit.
• PSL vs IPL: The glaring quality gap and scheduling conflicts.
• Karachi Stadium chaos: Blocked roads, poor facilities, and fan neglect.
• Babar Azam’s 4-year technical flaw: Why coaches failed to fix it.
• PCB’s reputation crisis: Mishandling foreign coaches like Gillespie and Kirsten.
• Local vs foreign coaches: Why Pakistan must follow India’s blueprint.
• Overqualified coaches: "Is it a crime to be overqualified?"
• Mental health in cricket: Why Babar needs a sports psychologist.
• Women in men’s cricket: Atiq’s controversial stance on coaching roles.

Watch the latest interview with Saj here:

Sadly, I agree that PSL is not IPL standard.

 

[Savak]

Tell me something new Atiq that people don't know. PSL can never reach IPLs level. IPL is a $6 billion entity and psl is a $12 million entity. Obviously there is no comparison. No one ever said it and there will never be any comparison.

Is he saying the obvious to run his country down for attention and views? What exactly has Atiq uz Zaman done to justify his big mouth? He was a failure as an international cricketer.

If just getting top notch ECB coaching qualifications is his biggest achievement then the likes of Saqlain and Azhar Mahmood already beat him to it and we all know what good that has been when it comes to achieving results when coaching Pakistan.

 

[Ball Blazer]

We have completed a decade this year! IPL kicked off back in 2008. And even in terms of money, we are nowhere closer.

 

[Savak]

We have completed a decade this year! IPL kicked off back in 2008. And even in terms of money, we are nowhere closer.

India's economy is worth $4 trillion. Pakistan's GDP last I checked was $380 Gb.

People who expect Pakistan to be close to India are living in cuckoo land

 

[PakPremi]

So, should PSL be stopped, what is he trying to say, none of the world leagues compare with IPL due to funding and resources available to it.

 

[pakistani pride]

PSL is not even close to IPL standards.
Tell us something new.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Why is this obsession to compare with IPL, all the time? No T20 league will ever be popular outside its host country. IPL is successful because of over 1 billion Indian viewers with a emerging middle class with access to cheap internet and data. I can't imagine any aussie to be die hard fan of RCB. He might watch few matches (even that is a stretch), if he is avid fan of Kohli etc. PSL should aspire to be like CPL, BIg Bash. They provide quality entertainment and pays decent money. The only thing PSL is failing is to improve infra and production quality. There is no vibe in stadium. No home/away stadiums. Most matches are played 2-3 stadiums. Here, Bangalore is in party mood when RCB plays in Chinnaswamy stadium. I don't see any fans with jerseys/ flags in PSL matches.