Former Pakistan speed legend Wasim Akram has sparked fresh debate in the franchise-cricket world with a witty yet pointed remark about the increasingly long schedules of T20 leagues—especially the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking at a PSL event, Akram joked that the IPL is so lengthy that “children grow up while the league is still going on,” a line that quickly went viral and reignited comparisons between the IPL and the far shorter Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Akram highlighted that one of PSL’s biggest strengths is its compact, fast-paced window. The league typically runs for just 34–35 days, a duration he believes benefits players, fans, and the league’s overall quality. In contrast, the IPL now stretches over two-plus months, with its 2025 season lasting 65 days and featuring 74 matches — nearly double the PSL’s schedule.

ALSO READ: Nasser Hussain Urges Ben Stokes To Hold Tough Conversations As England Face Ashes Crisis

“The best thing about the PSL is that it finishes in around 35 days. It’s not like three months like other leagues… bacchey bade ho jate hain, woh league khatam hi nahi hoti,” Wasim Akram quipped, adding that even he finds it difficult to stay glued to a tournament that runs nearly a quarter of the year.

Akram also noted that foreign players prefer shorter commitments, as spending two-and-a-half to three months in a single league can be draining both mentally and physically. He pointed to the Big Bash League (BBL) as an example, recalling how the BBL reduced its schedule after realising that a long season wasn’t sustainable for either players or fans. Today, the BBL operates within a tighter 40-day window, keeping the league engaging without stretching resources.

However, Wasim Akram reserved his highest praise for the PSL’s talent pool. He revealed that many overseas players rate the PSL as the No. 1 league for bowling quality, emphasising that Pakistan’s tournament is built on “quality, not quantity.”

WATCH – Ravichandran Ashwin Calls Nathan Lyon ‘Lucky’ As He Opens Up On Selection Pressure

While Akram’s comments were playful, they underscore a growing conversation in world cricket: the balance between commercial expansion and player wellbeing. Despite its long schedule, the IPL remains the world’s premier cricket league—and the second-most-valuable sports league globally—but discussions around format length and mental fatigue are likely to grow as the calendar becomes more congested.