Aakash Chopra responds to Ramiz Raja’s claims of PSL matching Indian T20 League standards

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairperson Ramiz Raja had made a big statement this week. Raja compared the Indian T20 League (ITL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) and said that he will introduce the ‘auction’ system in the league, which will increase the salary caps of the players, especially foreigners, adding that this will put PSL in the same category as Indian T20 League.

Talking about the PSL, teams sign players through the ‘draft’ system, which is also followed by other T20 leagues. ‘Auction’ method is only used exclusively in the ITL. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra decided to give a befitting reply to the former Pakistan cricketer. Chopra explained why the auction system won’t work in PSL, saying that the market dynamics of Pakistan’s cash-rich league won’t allow the ‘auction’ method.

“Even if you do an auction instead of drafts, it is not going to happen, you will not see a player playing for 16 crores in the PSL. It cannot happen at all, market dynamics are not going to allow that to happen, it’s as simple as that,” said Chopra on his official YouTube channel.

The 44-year-old asked whether it is possible to compare the PSL, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and The Hundred (in England) with Indian T20 League. He cited the example of Chris Morris, who was sold to Rajasthan for 16.25 crores INR last year and said the aforementioned leagues are no match to the Indian T20 League.

“To be very honest, Chris Morris’ one ball, when he played last time, was more expensive than the players’ salary in other leagues. Is it even possible to compete or compare yourself with the IPL, whether it is PSL, BBL, The Hundred or the CPL? Is it a slightly misplaced judgment?” he added.