Love for cricket trumps borders as Pakistan fan watches IPL during PSL match

The IPL is currently in its 18th season, while the Pakistan Super League has reached its tenth edition. Over the years, comparisons between the two tournaments have been frequent, although the IPL continues to lead by a considerable margin across most parameters.

This year, the scheduling of both leagues has overlapped, leading to a direct clash in dates and match timings. This overlap has proved detrimental to the PSL, with several Pakistani cricket experts questioning the league`s timing and the diminishing star power.

A recent video circulating on social media has added fuel to the conversation. It shows a fan at the Rawalpindi stadium, attending a PSL match, watching an IPL game on his phone. The viral clip highlights the immense popularity of the IPL in Pakistan and subtly underscores the disparity in cricketing quality between the two leagues.

Watch the video below.

People watching IPL instead of Psl.#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/u5IByjIMdP

— Indian Cricket Fc (@Jonathan_fcc) April 18, 2025

The incident points to a broader issue, the PSL is struggling to command full attention, even from fans within the stadium, reflecting not only on the competitiveness of the league but also on the overall state of Pakistan cricket, which has been facing turbulent times.

One of the key reasons behind the April-May window for the PSL this year was the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan hosted earlier in 2025 (excluding India’s matches due to political reasons). However, a string of underwhelming performances by the national team and ongoing structural concerns have further cast a shadow over cricket in the country.

No India tour for Pakistan women’s team in ODI World Cup 2025

Continuing with the previously agreed ‘hybrid model’ for India-Pakistan cricketing ties, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday confirmed that the Pakistan women’s team will not travel to India for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup. Instead, they will play their fixtures at a neutral venue.

This decision follows the precedent set during the ICC Champions Trophy, where the BCCI declined to send the Indian men`s team to Pakistan due to diplomatic tensions. Consequently, India played their matches at a neutral venue in Dubai.

As part of the hybrid model, both nations are permitted to compete at neutral venues during ICC events hosted by either country. “Just like India didn’t play in Pakistan in the Champions Trophy and were allowed to play at a neutral venue, whatever venue is decided, we will play. When there is an agreement it has to be adhered to,” Naqvi said.