Let us get this straight. PSL cannot compete with IPL, be it in terms of money, the overall organisation or even the players. The Indian league gets the best of the players from all around the world, while the Pakistani league gets handful of foreign stars, who are unwanted here.
IPL to poach more PSL players?
Last year. South Africa all-rounder Corbin Bosch ditches Peshawar Zalmi, after getting a contract from Mumbai Indians. This year, Zimbabwean Blessing Muzarabani ditched Islamabad United for KKR. To add to the embarrassment, there might be a few more players who could be added to the list.
Purely on the basis of social media rumours, Australian Spencer Johnson, and South African Ottneil Baartman could be on IPL’s radar. That could be due to a spate of injuries to fast bowlers in IPL. CSK’s Nathan Ellis, RR’s Sam Curran, and KKR’s Harshit Rana have already been ruled out of the tournament.
There is confusion over the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nuwan Thusara, and Matheesha Pathirana as well. And the next best choice could be very well in Pakistan.
Not just Johnson or Baartman, it could very well be some other fast bowlers as well, if the need arises. Islamabad United has Richard Gleeson in their ranks, and even Shamar Joseph, who was with LSG last year. Quetta has Alzarri Joseph, who has played a decent amount of IPL cricket.
Hyderabad Houston has Riley Meredith as well. Lastly, Multan has the presence of 41-year-old Peter Siddle, who can still attain speeds of 140 kmph. So, it only looks like a matter of time, that IPL franchises would approach the players for transfer to India, which will not be liked by the PCB.
Injured list of IPL players
| Team | Players | Status |
|---|---|---|
| RCB | Josh Hazlewood Nuwan Thusara | Not ruled out but not confirmed to play |
| KKR | Harshit Rana Matheesha Pathirana | Not ruled out but not confirmed to play |
| LSG | Mohsin Khan Mayank Yadav Wanindu Hasaranga | Not ruled out but not confirmed to play |
| SRH | Pat Cummins Eshan Malinga | Not ruled out but not confirmed to play |
| MI | Atharva Ankolekar | Ruled out. Yet to name replacement |
| CSK | Nathan Ellis | Ruled out. Yet to name replacement |
| PBKS | No one yet | – |
| RR | Sam Curran | Ruled out. Yet to name replacement |
| DC | No one yet | – |
| GT | No one yet | – |
Cricket
Will Matheesha Pathirana play for KKR in IPL 2026? Contrasting reports create confusion
