Pakistan legend Wasim Akram says Big Bash League goes on too long and it’s hard to maintain interest
Wasim Akram reckons the BBL could do no worse than look at the 32-day Pakistan Super League as evidence that a more concise T20 tournament ‘would be more successful’.
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Pakistan great Wasim Akram has joined a growing chorus declaring the Big Bash is too long and pointed to the success of the 32-day Pakistan Super League as evidence.
Akram, in Australia for Sunday’s Bushfire bash at the Junction Oval, is president of the Karachi Kings in the PSL, one of six teams who each play 10 games.
The eight-teams in BBL this season played 14 games each before finals across 53 days and Akram, who marvelled at the efforts of new Pakistani star Haris Rauf, said even he lost interest.
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“As an ex-cricketer now involved in a league, and as a fan, I can’t wait six or seven weeks for a final. I lost interest, it’s only natural,” Akram said.
“Leagues that are successful are shorter. The IPL is only six weeks. Last week at the final there were only 10,000 people. They need to fill the grounds.”
The PSL, which starts next week, will be played entirely in Pakistan for the first time and Aussies Shane Watson, Ben Cutting, Ben Dunk, Fawad Ahmed, and Chris Lynn have all-signed up.
Australia hasn’t played Test cricket in Pakistan since 1998 because of security risks. There was no Test cricket in the country for 10 years after the bombing of the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.
But the Sri Lankans returned for two Tests last December and Akram hoped Australia would return when next slated to play Pakistan in 2022.
“Another Test match against Bangladesh has started, they played three T20s, the teams are happy, security has been top notch,” Akram said.
“The most important thing for Pakistan is we are cricket-starved. Australia has so many sports to choose from, we have one, cricket.
“The PSL being played at home, stadiums will be packed everywhere. It’s a very exciting time for Pakistan cricket. I think Australia should tour.”
Cricket Australia boss Kevin Roberts recently meet with his Pakistani counterparts at a meeting hosted by Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr. Geoffery Shaw, who also advocated for a return.