Basit Ali Declares IPL as No.1 League, Says Pakistan Fans Feel Hurt by His Honest

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali reignited the IPL vs PSL debate with a candid statement that has sparked discussions across both nations’ cricket circles. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit praised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for its unparalleled talent pool, declaring it the best T20 league in the world—even if it ruffles feathers back home.

Basit Ali Lauds IPL Talent, Makes Bold Statement

Basit Ali didn’t hold back as he expressed his admiration for IPL 2025. “When I call IPL the No. 1 league, my Pakistan brothers feel bad. But they are only wasting their energy. Just look at the talent this season,” he remarked. Citing emerging names like Nehal Wadhera, Priyansh Arya, Abdul Samad, and Ashwani Kumar, Basit highlighted how the IPL consistently produces and promotes top-tier cricketing talent.

He reserved special praise for pacer Mayank Yadav, who has missed a few games due to injury. “I’m eagerly waiting for Mayank Yadav to be match fit. I really want to see him bowl,” Basit added.

IPL vs PSL – A Continuing Debate

The IPL vs PSL comparison has long divided fans and former cricketers from both India and Pakistan. While the PSL has developed some quality players and garnered a loyal following, the scale, viewership, and star power of the IPL remain unmatched. Basit Ali’s comments add another layer to the ongoing conversation, underlining the IPL’s global reach and competitive standards.

Central Contracts: Big Updates from BCCI

Meanwhile, the BCCI announced its latest central contracts, with some interesting inclusions and exclusions. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah retained their spots in the elite A+ category, earning an annual retainership of ₹7 crore. Rishabh Pant also returned to Grade A after a lengthy injury layoff, replacing the now-retired Ravichandran Ashwin.

India’s Champions Trophy hero Shreyas Iyer, who had been dropped last season for prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket, returned in Grade B with a ₹3 crore contract. Ishan Kishan, previously dropped for similar reasons, rejoined in Grade C, alongside rising stars Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep.

Notably missing from the list were Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Jitesh Sharma, and Kona Bharat, all of whom featured for India in recent months.

IPL 2025 Continues to Impress

As IPL 2025 heads into its second half, the tournament continues to impress fans and former cricketers alike. With close finishes, breakout performances, and massive crowds, the league is reinforcing its status as the biggest T20 extravaganza in the world.

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