Pakistan targeting associate nations to play during the IPL

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing serious conundrums with the latest updates made by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC recently made the April-May window open only for the Indian Premier League (IPL) action. What this essentially meant was that the other countries were asked by the ICC to not schedule international fixtures during the IPL window.

It is a very well known fact that the Pakistani cricketers are not allowed to participate in the most popular T20 league in the world. Hence, with such controversial ruling made by the ICC, Pakistan could well see itself being idle during this period of time. One option that the team had was to face England before their summer action commences. But England also has its own domestic fixtures lined up at the same time.

Also, the ruling stands valid in their case as well. There is absolutely no chance that Pakistani cricketers could actually feature in the IPL. The political tensions between the two countries is very intense. Hence, in order to avoid being idle for two long peak summer months, the PCB is keen on facing the minnows or the associate nations during that time.

Much like the Pakistani cricketers, the associate nation players also do not have major participation in the IPL. In fact, only Ryan ten Doeschate has played in the IPL from the associate nations. Interestingly, Pakistan has managed to book one match against Ireland in May 2018. This will be Ireland’s first ever Test match and it will be played from May 11 to May 15.

Only one match not enough

But just five days of action in two months is not a good deal. Pakistan has added Netherlands in their proposed FTP but that remains a far cry as the 2018 IPL edition is in the picture right now. Former cricketers have alarmed the PCB to take a call on the issue soon.

“This is a moment to think for the board as they will have to find more opponents apart from Ireland, which also is just a filler as we had no other option left. This is a setback for the board and the team that they are just filling slots and have nothing else to do besides play associate teams,” former Test cricketer Jalaluddin told The Express Tribune.