New Delhi, March 13 — Several Pakistani cricketers are currently playing for franchises owned by Indian Premier League (IPL) teams in overseas T20 leagues, highlighting the expanding global footprint of IPL-style franchise cricket.
While Pakistani players are not part of the IPL itself due to longstanding political tensions between India and Pakistan, many of them have found opportunities in other international leagues where IPL franchise owners have expanded their presence.
The development has drawn attention after Pakistan leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed joined a franchise connected to IPL ownership in a foreign T20 competition. However, Abrar is not the only Pakistani cricketer involved in such teams.
Pakistani players in Indian-owned franchises
A number of Pakistani players have been part of teams owned by IPL franchises in leagues such as the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, SA20 in South Africa, and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.
These leagues allow players from Pakistan to compete alongside international stars because they are not governed by the same restrictions that apply to the IPL in India.
Players such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz and others have appeared for franchises linked to IPL ownership groups across different tournaments.
In recent seasons, IPL team owners including groups behind Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have invested in teams in multiple global leagues.
Expansion of IPL franchise ecosystem
Over the past few years, IPL franchise owners have expanded their operations beyond India, establishing or acquiring teams in various international T20 leagues.
For example, the owners of Mumbai Indians now operate teams in multiple tournaments, including the UAE’s ILT20 and South Africa’s SA20. Similarly, other IPL franchises have invested in teams across emerging cricket markets.
This expansion has created new opportunities for players from countries that do not participate in the IPL, including Pakistan.
Political barriers remain in IPL
Despite the growing involvement of Pakistani players in global franchise leagues linked to IPL owners, they remain absent from the IPL itself.
Pakistan players last participated in the IPL during the inaugural 2008 season. Since then, diplomatic tensions between the two countries have prevented Pakistani cricketers from being signed by IPL franchises.
Cricket analysts say the international franchise ecosystem continues to grow rapidly, creating professional opportunities for players across different regions.
With IPL franchise owners now operating teams across multiple continents, the boundaries between domestic leagues and global T20 competitions are increasingly overlapping.
