While the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to dominate the cricketing world with packed stadiums and massive viewership, Pakistan's fast bowler Hasan Ali has stirred controversy with a bold statement—claiming that fans will stop watching the IPL once the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicks off.

Speaking to Geo News, Hasan Ali said,

“Fans want to watch tournaments where better cricket is played, where people are entertained. If we play well in PSL, then the audience will leave IPL and watch us.”

Hasan Ali, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy victory, hasn’t been part of the national setup recently but remains a prominent voice in Pakistani cricket.

PSL vs IPL: A Tough Competition?

This year, PSL 10 begins on April 11, directly clashing with the IPL schedule. Traditionally held in February–March, the PSL's overlap with IPL may impact its reach, especially since several international players have opted for the IPL over PSL this season.

Adding to the challenge, Pakistan’s recent performance has been lackluster. The national team exited early in the Champions Trophy and suffered a heavy defeat in New Zealand in both ODIs and T20s. Hasan Ali himself acknowledged that PSL’s success often mirrors the national team’s performance—something that hasn’t inspired confidence lately.

Yet, despite these odds, Hasan remains optimistic that quality cricket and crowd support can help the PSL rise and even challenge the viewership of the IPL.