Every player wants to play IPL, but we can’t play there: Hasan Ali

Pakistan’s fast bowler, Hasan Ali, has expressed a desire to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) if the opportunity does present itself in the future. So far, the first edition of the IPL was the only one where players like Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shoaib Malik and other Pakistan players took part.

Ever since political tensions between India and Pakistan led to the exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL starting in 2009. Despite these challenges, Hasan Ali, who is one of Pakistan’s leading bowlers, lauded the IPL as one of the best leagues and one where he would want to take part.

In an interview with Samaa TV, Hasan Ali said, “Every player wants to play IPL and it is my wish to play there. It is one of the biggest leagues in the world and I will definitely play there if there is an opportunity in the future.”

The pacer went on to add, “It’s not like no one wants to play. But obviously, we can’t play there for reasons I don’t want to talk about, everyone knows. I wish to play there. If given the opportunity I will definitely play there.”

Having excelled in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United, Hasan Ali currently is the second leading wicket-taker in the PSL, just behind Wahab Riaz. With 94 wickets from 72 matches, he is on the verge of reaching a massive milestone, requiring only six more wickets to become the second bowler in PSL history to achieve 100 or more wickets.

Hasan Ali is also part of the Pakistan Test team that will travel to Australia for a three-match Test series. This will be part of the new WTC cycle. Shan Masood has been appointed as the new captain for the red-ball format, taking over from the former skipper, Babar Azam.