Pakistani players in IPL: A forgotten chapter in the tournament’s history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown into the world’s biggest T20 cricketing spectacle, featuring top talent from across the globe. However, one nation that has been absent from the tournament for over a decade is Pakistan.

Do you know, only 11 Pakistani players have ever featured in the IPL?

They participated in the inaugural 2008 season, but due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani players were barred from the league from 2009 onwards.

As the IPL 2025 season starts from March 22, let us take a look at the 11 Pakistani players who have featured in IPL

1. Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals)

The left-arm pacer was the standout performer among the Pakistani players in IPL 2008. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he picked up 22 wickets in 11 matches, winning the Purple Cap (awarded to the highest wicket-taker of the season). His best performance came when he got 6/14 against Chennai Super Kings.

2. Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers)

A global T20 superstar, Shahid Afridi played for Deccan Chargers but failed to make an impact. He scored only 81 runs in 10 matches and took 9 wickets with his leg-spin.

3. Shoaib Akhtar (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The "Rawalpindi Express," Shoaib Akhtar played just three matches for Kolkata Knight Riders but left a mark by picking up five wickets, including a fiery spell of 4/11 against Delhi Daredevils.

4. Shoaib Malik (Delhi Daredevils)

The former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik represented Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He played seven matches, scored 52 runs and took two wickets.

5. Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Future Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq played for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In eight matches, he managed 117 runs but failed to make a major impact.

6. Mohammad Asif (Delhi Daredevils)

A skillful swing bowler, Mohammad Asif played for Delhi Daredevils, picking up eight wickets in eight matches. Unfortunately, his career was soon overshadowed by controversies.

7. Umar Gul (Kolkata Knight Riders)

One of the best T20 bowlers at the time, Umar Gul played for KKR and had a great run, taking 12 wickets in six matches.

8. Kamran Akmal (Rajasthan Royals)

The wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal played for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 128 runs in six matches, with some crucial knocks in the middle order.

9. Salman Butt (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Left-handed opener Salman Butt played for KKR, scoring 193 runs in seven matches but struggled for consistency.

10. Younis Khan (Rajasthan Royals)

One of Pakistan’s finest batsmen, Younis Khan played only one match for Rajasthan Royals and scored just three runs.

11. Mohammad Hafeez (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Before becoming Pakistan’s T20 mainstay, Mohammad Hafeez played for KKR, featuring in eight matches, scoring 64 runs, and picking up two wickets.

Azhar Mahmood: The First Pakistan-Origin Player to Play in IPL

While Pakistani players were barred from IPL after the inaugural 2008 season, one player of Pakistan origin managed to make a return in later editions—Azhar Mahmood.

Born in Pakistan, Mahmood later acquired British citizenship, which allowed him to be eligible for IPL contracts even after the ban on Pakistani players.
In the 2012 IPL auction, Mahmood was picked by Kings XI Punjab for $200,000, double his base price of $100,000. He played as an all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball.

Later, in 2015, he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a replacement for James Neesham. However, he played only a few matches before being dropped in the next season.

Mohammad Amir Eyes IPL Contract in 2026

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has expressed his desire to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 if given the opportunity. The 33-year-old left-arm pacer, who has retired from international cricket twice, is currently active in franchise leagues worldwide.

Amir, whose wife is a UK citizen, has reportedly applied for a British passport, which could allow him to participate in the IPL as an overseas player. "By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL, and if given the chance, why not? I will play IPL”, Amir said on the show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’.

Why Were Pakistani Players Banned from IPL?

Despite their participation in IPL 2008, Pakistani players were excluded from future seasons due to the political fallout following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. This decision led to an indefinite ban on Pakistan players in the IPL, which continues to this day.

The question of whether Pakistani players will ever return to the IPL remains unanswered, but despite all the ups and down that the IPL itself has seen since its inception, the future remains bright.