Najam Sethi discusses future of IPL vs PSL champions match

Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi shared his thoughts on the possibility of a showdown between the champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL). While acknowledging the political and security challenges that currently exist between India and Pakistan, Sethi expressed optimism for the future when such a competition could be a reality.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Sethi explained, "If the situation improves in the future, I think there should be a team of IPL champions and a PSL champion." 

He emphasized that although the political climate between the two countries makes this difficult at the moment, there is hope for a time when the two leagues could come together for an exciting match-up. 

"If not in our own country, we can play in another country. Everyone wants to see India and Pakistan play against each other, whether in India or Pakistan," he said.

Sethi also discussed the dream of having Indian players participate in the PSL and Pakistani players play in the IPL, something that he believes every cricketer aspires to. 

"It is our dream because, of course, India and Pakistan produce the best talent in the world. There is no doubt about it," he said. 

However, he acknowledged the current limitations: "But will it be possible in the near future? I don't see it happening soon," he added. 

Turning his attention to the World Cup, which is set to be held in India, Sethi acknowledged that a hybrid model might work for international tournaments. He noted that as long as the governments of both countries don’t collaborate and give their approval, the dream of players crossing over between the two leagues remains far off. 

"Our government has never created a problem. They just say, 'Let's play here.' But their government stops the BCCI," he explained, referring to the Indian government’s involvement in the BCCI’s decision-making.

Sethi concluded that until the political landscape changes and the governments of India and Pakistan open the door for cooperation, the dream of a cross-league competition between IPL and PSL champions would remain just that – a dream.