IPL is the best: Afridi

E-Paper | March 14, 2026

"Although I played just once in the IPL but it is easily the biggest league you can play in." -File photo

KARACHI: Shahid Afridi termed the Indian Premier League the best organised and most enjoyable internationalTwenty20 league he has played in.

"Although I played just once in the IPL but it is easily the biggest league you can play in and I enjoyed my experience. The IPL is clearly the best organised foreign league and it was a totally different experience playing in it," Afridi said.

Afridi expressed his disappointment at the exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL after the Mumbai attacks and hoped the situation would improve.

The all-rounder, who is part of Pakistan's World T20 squad, said that the upcoming Sri Lanka Premier League will help the players prepare for the upcoming series against Australia and the World T20 in Sri Lanka.

"We really don't know much about it but it will definitely help the Pakistani players prepare themselves for the coming series against Australia and the T20 World Cup," he said.

"It should be a tough league but it will put us in the proper frame of mind for the coming assignments," he added.

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shan

Aug 12, 2012 10:48am

Shahid, let it go money is not every thing. Focus on performing for the national team and put all your passion, focus and energy to bring back the T20 World Cup Home. That will make the nation proud...we are counting on you.

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kitto

Aug 09, 2012 02:59pm

but afridi .....you still not welcome to play in the IPL...BECAUSE INDIAN HEARTS ARE NOT BIG ENOUGH LIK E PAKISTANIS.....as IPL can accomodate and play any player all over the world but except a pakistani player....

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rakesh

Aug 09, 2012 03:00pm

Perhaps Afridi wants to be multimillion by IPL money by playing in ...not bad idea. Just like indiana cricketers with in short period

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Amir

Aug 09, 2012 03:01pm

What I am not able to comprehend is that he has been paying for ages and he is still 32!!

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Karachi Wala

Aug 09, 2012 04:43pm

Seems like Afridi is eyeing big bucks. Yet again.

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Joe

Aug 09, 2012 05:00pm

yeah right..and apparently Hindus don't have a big heart Mr. Afridi... It isn't always cook to be ignorant.. Learn about some cultures.. at least of the country your ancestors were once part of!

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An Indian

Aug 09, 2012 05:44pm

truth is truth

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jaideep

Aug 09, 2012 07:39pm

True

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Saeed Khan

Aug 10, 2012 10:50am

To all those who are referring to his interview after the world cup where he talk about the negative hype created by Indian Media before the Mohali Semifinal Match. Please visit this and watch this only then you will be able to understand what he said. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p1HvgkfUl0

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asif

Aug 09, 2012 09:58pm

IPL is best due to money paid to players,i think that's what Sahid is missing.

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korean_reveller

Aug 10, 2012 02:33am

Its best because it pays more than any other league existing.

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Dilawer

Aug 10, 2012 06:15am

Afridi should start thinking about his retirement. He has not done anything for the game lately. IPL is the best of course. Who would pay more than IPL? no one. Player like Afridi are casting hugely to other players in other sports. He is very selfish.

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flinpeterson

Aug 10, 2012 06:43am

I think he want to play next IPL.

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Ozair mustafa

Aug 10, 2012 10:28am

IPL has nothing to do with Pakistan its all Indian , and mind you Shahid you have been humilated in the bidding processs, have some self respect.Never play there.

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Allan

Aug 10, 2012 02:31pm

At one point Afridi didn't care to play in the IPL which was not too long ago. I guess either time or money heals all wounds. Take your guess.

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Sam Kanaan

Aug 10, 2012 02:44pm

Afridi loves the spotlight and attention. I did not like him when he started out and still don't like him. After given hundreds of chances, anyone will eventually start performing. But in Afridi's cases, he performs once every 15 matches and that is enough to warrant his place. If only PCB gave similar opportunities to Azhar Mahmood, Fawad Alam and Rana Naveed things would be a lot different. As a loyal Pakistani cricket team supporter I am looking forward to the day this guy retires, never to come back again..Or wait what am I saying its Afridi..he'll keep coming back..and be 32 forever.. Curious case of Benjamin Button...no curious case of Shahid Afridi !!

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umar

Aug 10, 2012 03:50pm

han afridik ney agar india ke tareef kar di tou face karo bcoz he is right agar tmharay khayal sye ipl sey ache koi league hai tou btao

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Jawwad

Aug 10, 2012 04:15pm

Well, he played his first International at the age of 16. You should be appreciating longevity of his career and his fitness which Asian typically lack. Not to mention guy works hard in the gym.

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Paras Rishi

Aug 10, 2012 07:43pm

The Pakistani fans are not happy with his statement. Is it because he praised the Cricket league from India or he hasn't done enough good for Pakistan Cricket lately and instead is eyeing big contract from deep pocketed franchises?

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Jawwad

Aug 10, 2012 04:16pm

Let it go. It's an old news. You can't continue to call on guys on their English which they do not speak well. Why not pick his other news segment in which he claims India is the best place to play and he has most fan following in India after Pakistan?

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Jawwad

Aug 10, 2012 04:18pm

Afridi is already a millionaire. Maybe you do not know but he has the most adverting contracts in Pakistan making his earnings over 2 million dollars just in advertisements.

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shantanu

Aug 10, 2012 04:59pm

This is what your top cricket player says in spite been humiliated in the bidding process.. Bad thing for pak heart. Your cricketers are just waiting and looking at India. I dont think India will ever allow them. Good bye Afridi, Fly to Bangladesh....

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Anil

Aug 10, 2012 06:35pm

wht a sick comment... typical times of india reader...

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david

Aug 11, 2012 04:46am

totally agree with him i guess experience counts don't you think Mr joe? besides he dont need to go to india to learn but to teach

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ahmad

Aug 11, 2012 04:54am

why not play there, i still remember the fastest test century of his was just enjoyable perhaps he can improve his t20 batting ave. may be i am wrong but i don't think money is a issue for him

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Verma

Aug 11, 2012 05:27am

'Indian hearts are not big, not like Pak Muslims'...that's why people from all over the world play in India, but no one plays in Pak !

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naveed

Aug 11, 2012 08:08am

This Afgna patans have not selfrespect they are true munafiq. ones he told he is not interested in IPL. the main problem with this patan is lack of education, from past 15 years he is playing never played with responsibility and not learn how to select the shot - shame on you. pls retire

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DAM

Aug 11, 2012 06:54pm

I remember after the 2nd ipl when he ignored from tournament...his statement was"we will never play ipl in future",now what he is saying....lolzz

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Shoaib

Aug 11, 2012 11:03pm

Jawwad bhai, he only plays ODI and T20, not the real Test cricket.

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Dpeeee

Aug 12, 2012 02:08am

Good stuff Vermaji!!

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