Inzamam-ul-Haq Criticizes BCCI’s Stance on Indian Players in Overseas Leagues

Team India’s strong performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has not only showcased the depth of Indian cricket but also exposed structural issues within Pakistan’s cricketing setup.

India and Pakistan both have their respective T20 leagues—the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL)—yet there remain significant differences in how they operate.

One notable distinction is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s strict policy preventing Indian players from participating in overseas leagues. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has openly criticized this stance.

Inzamam Questions BCCI’s Restriction on Indian Players

Serving as a cricket analyst during the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, Inzamam addressed this issue, suggesting that other cricket boards should retaliate by preventing their players from joining the IPL.

“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,” Inzamam said during a discussion on a Pakistani TV channel.

PSL 2025 Schedule Clashes With IPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently released the schedule for PSL 2025, which directly clashes with the IPL. As a result, overseas players will have to choose between the two leagues.

The 10th season of the Pakistan Super League is set to begin on April 11, with Islamabad United facing Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi.

The tournament will span 34 matches across four cities—Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi—culminating in the final on May 18 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Additionally, an exhibition match will be played on April 8 in Peshawar.

PSL CEO Salman Naseer emphasized the league’s significance:

“Over the past decade, the PSL has grown into a globally recognized tournament, showcasing the best of Pakistan’s cricketing talent. The fans in this year’s tournament will not only see high-profile international cricketers but will also witness 34 high-octane matches across four major cities.”

The Dubai Controversy: Did India Gain an Advantage?

BCCI’s policies are not the only issue causing debate. India’s matches in the Champions Trophy have all been scheduled in Dubai due to political tensions preventing them from traveling to Pakistan.

This decision has led to accusations of favoritism from several cricketing figures, including England’s Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton.

With Australia and South Africa flying to the UAE in preparation for a potential semifinal clash against India, the debate has intensified.

If India wins their group match against New Zealand, they will face Australia in the semifinal; otherwise, they will play South Africa.

This scheduling has led to logistical challenges, as either Australia or South Africa will need to return to Pakistan for the other semifinal—a 2000km journey.

Inzamam Calls for IPL Boycott Amid Favoritism Accusations

Inzamam believes that the controversy surrounding India’s Dubai advantage should be a wake-up call for other cricket boards.

He reiterated that if India refuses to allow its players to participate in foreign leagues, then international cricket boards should also restrict their players from competing in the IPL.

“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,” he stated.

BCCI’s Stance on Overseas Leagues

Indian cricketers contracted under the BCCI are prohibited from playing in overseas leagues unless they retire from Indian cricket, including IPL and domestic tournaments.

This rule has prevented top Indian players from featuring in leagues like PSL, Big Bash League (BBL), and The Hundred.

Saqlain Mushtaq Challenges India to a Full Series Against Pakistan

Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq joined the debate, suggesting a 30-match series between India and Pakistan—10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is—to determine the superior team.

“If we keep political things aside, their (Indian) players are very good, and they have been playing good cricket. If you are really a good team, I think let’s play 10 Tests, 10 ODIs, and 10 T20Is against Pakistan, then everything would become clear,” Mushtaq proposed.