The fifteenth season of the Indian Premier League is set to kick off in a week’s time. There’s a great deal of excitement and hype in the entire cricketing fraternity, as the premier T20 tournament of the world comes roaring back into action.
What makes this edition of the IPL even more exciting is the fact that it precedes a T20 World Cup and an Asia Cup T20. So as far as international T20 specialist players are concerned, there’s a lot of opportunities for them to showcase their talent and fine tune their skills.
In fact, earlier this year, the Pakistan Super League celebrated its seventh season in a spectacular fashion, as the Shaheen Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars clinched their maiden PSL title. The tournament also saw participation from T20 stars from each and every corner of the world, and featured several marquee players from countries like England, Australia, and the South Africa.
Clearly, it has been a journey of tremendous growth for the PSL in its relatively shorter lifespan. From scheduling the tournament in the Emirates, the PCB has been able to shift the league back onto its home shores closer to its fans. All things considered, the PSL has unearthed quite a few positives.
‘PSL has gained popularity quicker than the IPL’- Pakistani journalist
In fact, there are some who feel that the PSL’s overall prowess has been able to eclipse even the grandeur of the IPL. Over on a recent Twitter thread, Pakistani journalist Arfa Feroz opined that the PSL has gained traction much ‘quicker’ than the IPL. He further supported his assertion by stating that at the time of its inception, the IPL had no rival competitors in the market. PSL, however, has gained worldwide popularity even with all the competition, Arfa wrote.
No comparison between PSL and IPL! PSL started in 2016 while IPL inaugurated in 2008. However one has to admit PSL gained worldwide popularity more quicker in an era when other boards had introduced their leagues too whereas there was no competitor in the market when IPL was born
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) March 18, 2022
There is, however, a big caveat when it comes to the PSL, IPL, and the thriving T20 league market; and that was brought to attention by seasoned India batsman, Robbie Uthappa. Replying to Arfa in just four words, Robbie highlighted the singular most important fact that has made IPL the global sensation that it is.
IPL created the market!!
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) March 19, 2022
Hilarious Twitter banter aside, Chennai fans would be hoping Robbie plays with a similar brand of aggression and street smartness. CSK has already been dealt a huge blow in the fact that Deepak Chahar, their star pacer, has been ruled out for the early part of the season due to an injury. So the CSK think-tank might be tempted to go in with extra overseas fast-bowling options, which could see Robbie occupy a clinical role at the Chennai top-order.