Kamal Ghorui
Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has criticised Pakistan journalists and media for repeatedly asking foreign players to compare the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).Shehzad pointed to questions asked to Kusal Mendis, who is currently playing in the PSL.“Kusal Mendis is playing, performing in PSL, and he is being asked questions like ‘sir, last time you left and went to IPL, what do you think about that?’ Look at what kind of questions they are asking,” Shehzad said.The former Pakistan batter also referred to comments made by Rilee Rossouw, who had described the IPL as a “movie”.“Look at Rilee Rossouw — there is no clarity about his performances (in PSL), but he has made statements. And when he was asked about IPL — that what do you think about IPL — so while playing PSL, you obviously cannot praise IPL. So in that, he said, ‘Oh, that is a Bollywood movie. The cricket is happening here in PSL,'” Shehzad said, adding that no player would praise the IPL while playing in the PSL.Mendis, who is representing Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2026, was earlier asked about his decision to leave the PSL last year and join the IPL. A reporter questioned whether he had any “regrets” about joining Gujarat Titans during the season despite being part of Quetta Gladiators. Mendis reacted to the question but did not respond.“Last year, you withdrew from Pakistan Super League to play for Gujarat Titans midway through the tournament. And you showed some security concerns. And now Pakistan Super League (is) giving you respect again and they (Gujarat Titans) did not pick you again. So, (do) you have any regret about withdrawing from Pakistan Super League previous year?” the reporter asked Mendis.Meanwhile, Rossouw, who is also part of the PSL, compared the two leagues and said the IPL feels “more of a movie than actual cricket.”“The IPL obviously has the whole Bollywood behind it, so it’s a lot more of a movie than actual cricket. So both of them have their pros and cons.”
