Other Countries Should Stop Sending Their Players To IPL: Inzamam-ul-Haq
Mumbai: The Indian government’s decision to deny clearance for Rohit Sharma-led Team India to travel to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked a fresh controversy. Due to ongoing political tensions and security concerns, the ICC has scheduled all of India’s matches in Dubai instead of Pakistan, leading to criticism from former cricketers and officials.
Inzamam Advocates Global IPL Boycott
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has suggested a global boycott of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in response to India’s refusal to send players for the Champions Trophy. Speaking on a Pakistani TV channel, Inzamam criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for restricting Indian players from participating in overseas leagues while welcoming foreign cricketers in the IPL.
“Keep aside the Champions Trophy. Top players participate in the 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 stated.
Under BCCI regulations, Indian cricketers contracted by the board are not permitted to play in foreign T20 leagues unless they retire from all forms of Indian cricket, including the IPL and domestic tournaments. Players who choose to compete in overseas leagues are permanently ineligible for BCCI-hosted events.
Dubai Controversy and Champions Trophy Semifinal Twist
The relocation of India’s Champions Trophy matches to Dubai has led to further debate, with several former cricketers, including Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, questioning the fairness of the situation. While other teams must compete in Pakistan, India will play its matches in the UAE, potentially gaining a strategic advantage.
Adding to the complexity, Australia and South Africa have both flown to Dubai in anticipation of a potential Champions Trophy semifinal clash against India. However, the final group-stage match between India and New Zealand will determine the semifinal lineup. If India beats New Zealand, they will face Australia in Dubai; if they lose, South Africa will take on India in the UAE.
Meanwhile, the team that does not face India will have to fly back to Pakistan—covering a 2,000-kilometer journey—before their semifinal clash against New Zealand. This unusual situation has raised concerns over logistical fairness in the tournament and sparked fresh debates about cricket politics on the global stage.
With the Champions Trophy knockout rounds approaching, all eyes are now on how the ICC handles the brewing controversy over India’s participation and its broader impact on international cricket.
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