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Pakistani players have not been seen in IPL for the last decade. Till now only 11 Pakistani players have participated in IPL. Due to political tension between India and Pakistan, he was not allowed to play in IPL since 2009.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become the world’s biggest T20 cricket league. The best players from all over the world participate in it. Pakistan is the only country whose players have been banned from playing in the tournament. Do you know, till now only 11 Pakistani players have played in IPL?
These players joined the first season of IPL in 2008. Due to political tension between India and Pakistan, Pakistani players were expelled from the league since 2009. IPL 2026 season is starting, so let us know about those 11 Pakistani players who participated in IPL.
1. Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals): Left arm fast bowler Sohail Tanvir was the best performer among the Pakistani players in IPL 2008. While playing for Rajasthan Royals, he took 22 wickets in 11 matches and won the Purple Cap (highest wicket taker of the season). His best performance was 6/14 against Chennai Super Kings. Tanveer is the only Pakistani to win the IPL trophy.
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2. Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers): Global T20 superstar Shahid Afridi played for Deccan Chargers, but could not leave much of an impact. He scored only 81 runs in 10 matches and took 9 wickets with his leg spin.
3. Shoaib Akhtar (Kolkata Knight Riders): ‘Rawalpindi Express’ Shoaib Akhtar played only three matches for Kolkata Knight Riders, but left his mark by taking five wickets. Bowled brilliantly 4/11 against Delhi Daredevils.
4. Shoaib Malik (Delhi Daredevils): Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He scored 52 runs in seven matches and took two wickets.
5. Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Future Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq played for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He scored 117 runs in eight matches, but could not leave any big impact.
6. Mohammad Asif (Delhi Daredevils): Skilled swing bowler Mohammad Asif took eight wickets in eight matches while playing for Delhi Daredevils. However, his career soon became mired in controversies.
7. Umar Gul (Kolkata Knight Riders): One of the best T20 bowlers of that time, Umar Gul took 12 wickets in six matches while playing for KKR.
8. Kamran Akmal (Rajasthan Royals): Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal scored 128 runs in six matches for Rajasthan Royals and played some important innings in the middle order.
9. Salman Butt (Kolkata Knight Riders): Left-handed opener Salman Butt scored 193 runs in seven matches for KKR, but could not perform consistently.
10. Younis Khan (Rajasthan Royals): Younis Khan, one of the best batsmen of Pakistan, played only one match for Rajasthan Royals and scored three runs.
11. Mohammad Hafeez (Kolkata Knight Riders): Before becoming Pakistan’s T20 star, Mohammad Hafeez played eight matches for KKR, scoring 64 runs and taking two wickets.