In a recent revelation, Pakistan’s fast bowler Hasan Ali expressed his strong desire to join the ranks of international cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of the most prestigious cricket leagues globally. Hasan Ali also voiced his aspiration to see the Indian cricket team playing on Pakistani soil, a sentiment mirroring the longing for renewed cricketing ties between the two nations.
Despite the immense popularity of the IPL and the opportunity it presents, Pakistani players have not been part of the league since its inaugural season. This exclusion followed the tragic 2008 Mumbai attacks, which led to a cricketing impasse between India and Pakistan, primarily on Indian turf. Hasan Ali, speaking candidly to Samma TV, stated, “Every player wants to play IPL & I wish to play there. It is one of the biggest leagues in the world, and I will play there if there is an opportunity in the future.”
Hasan Ali’s personal connection to India extends through his marriage to Samiya Arzoo, a native of Haryana’s Nuh district. The couple tied the knot in 2019, and during the World Cup, while most of the Pakistan team returned home, Hasan extended his stay. The couple has since shared numerous pictures of their moments in India, underlining the bowler’s affable relations with the country.
The cricketer’s desire is not only for personal participation in the IPL but also for a revival of Indo-Pak cricket matches in Pakistan. “It’s not fair. India should come to Pakistan and play cricket. Every team has played here. New Zealand came here, they left because of a security threat but came back again and played the entire series. We have the best security. India should definitely come and play in Pakistan,” he advocated. His call for action comes at a time when international cricket in Pakistan is slowly but steadily resurging after years of being shunned due to security concerns.
Hasan, aged 29, continues to be an integral part of Pakistan’s cricket machinery. After having claimed 10 wickets in eight World Cup matches, he is set to be a pivotal figure in the Pakistani bowling lineup alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi. The duo is expected to play a critical role in the upcoming three-match Test series scheduled in Australia starting December 14.
Beyond the field, Hasan Ali also shared his perspective on team leadership. He praised Sarfaraz Ahmed as the finest captain under whom he has played, attributing much of his learning and success to Sarfaraz’s leadership. “Sarfaraz Ahmed is the best captain I have played under. We have learned a lot from him. We have had a lot of success, playing under him,” he remarked. He was also complimentary about Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, acknowledging their capabilities as leaders, yet reiterated his preference for Sarfaraz when pressed to choose.
In light of Hasan Ali’s comments, the cricketing fraternity may contemplate the implications of his dual wish – for the inclusion of Pakistani players in the IPL and the return of bilateral cricket series on Pakistani grounds. His candid reflections represent not only a personal yearning but also underscore a broader hope common among many cricket enthusiasts: that the barriers to sports can be surmounted, fostering goodwill and competitive spirit between neighboring nations. Whether these wishes come to fruition remains uncertain, but Hasan Ali’s advocacy for greater cricketing engagements between India and Pakistan could serve as an impetus for change in future cricket diplomacy.