Pakistan Super League 2018: Virat Kohli to Rohit Sharma, Star Indian Players Who Would Have Been Great Attractions in PSL

The absence of Pakistan players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been debated for long. After 2008 edition, no franchise picked the Pakistani players due to the tensions between the two nations. Fans believe that Pakistani cricketers would bring value to IPL and will make it a unique experience to see them featuring in the same team along with Indian counterparts. However, the inclusion of Pakistan players in IPL seems to be far from reality.

In 2016, after years of hurdle, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) launched its T20 league- Pakistan Super League (PSL). The PSL works similar to IPL model and features players from all around the globe, except the Indians. It is very much impossible, yes impossible that we will see Indian players participating in the PSL in near future. However, there is no stopping when it comes to imagination. Pakistan Super League 2018 Schedule: Match Time Table, Fixtures, Venue and Teams of Third Edition of PSL.

Here we try to jot down names of some Indian cricketers who would bring value not only to PSL teams but to the whole tournament. It is a bit hard to pick just a few names and leave some as we believe most of the Indian players will find takers in the PSL. So, we will name top five Indian cricketers who we think would rock PSL T20 (spoiler: the list contains predictable names).

1. Virat Kohli

This is a no-brainer. The Indian captain is perhaps the biggest property in world cricket right now and for sure would have helped PSL caught many eyeballs. Imagine, Kohli captaining Mohammad Amir in front of a packed National Stadium in Karachi. Who knows, if not IPL, Kohli could have won a PSL title!

2. MS Dhoni

Another of those easy pickings! The kind of fan following MS Dhoni has, fans in Pakistan would have enjoyed seeing him represent any of the franchise. But given Dhoni’s love for the yellow jersey, Peshawar Zalmi would have suited MSD the best.

3. Rohit Sharma

The Indian opener may not have many fans in Pakistan after he termed Mohammad Amir ‘an ordinary bowler’ last year. However, most of the franchises would love to have him in their side. Rohit is arguably one of the best batsman in white ball cricket at the moment.

4. Jasprit Bumrah

Imagine, Mohammad Amir and Jasprit Bumrah opening the attack. It would have been one of the greatest sights seeing an Indian and Pakistani share the new ball. Bumrah’s ability to bowl in death overs makes him an ultimate pick and no doubt he would have been amongst the most sought-after players.

5. Yuvraj Singh

Last but not the least! Yuvi’s popularity might have dipped in the IPL. But we believe he would be one of the hottest picks in the PSL. Yuvraj is known to share a good bond with Pakistan players. So he would have fitted in any side quite easily.

Meanwhile, the third edition of PSL is all settee begin from February 22. This season will see the addition of new franchise- Multan Sultans and apparently, PSL 2018 will be a six-team event. Misbah-ul-Haq guided Islamabad United to the title win in the inaugural season and then last year, Peshawar Zalmi won the title under Darren Sammy’s leadership.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2018 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).