5 Pakistani players who would have made IPL even more exciting

There may be cultural and political differences between India and Pakistan, but there is no denying the fact that people from both nations are equally crazy about cricket. Both teams have featured in numerous memorable contests and India against Pakistan remains a top draw in any form of cricket.The absence of Pakistani players in the much-fancied Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tad disappointing considering the ability of Pakistani cricketers to produce jaw-dropping performances.Here are five players from Pakistan, who are currently on a tour of Bangladesh, who would have made the multi-million dollar tournament even more exciting.

#1 Saeed Ajmal

Though a late entrant in international cricket, making his debut at the age of 30, Ajmal is a match-winner all the way. A dangerous doosra along with other variations in flight and speed makes Ajmal one of the toughest bowlers to score off.

His tally of 85 wickets from 63 T20 matches at an impressive average of 17.54 speaks volumes of his calibre and class. Ranking 5th among T20 bowlers, Ajmal is one player that every captain would love to have in his team.

#2 Wahab Riaz

Wahab Riaz was the only player standing tall amid the ruins when Pakistan lost to Australia in the quarter-finals of the 2015 ICC World Cup. His fiery spell — that made Shane Watson jump like a popcorn on hot fire — won hearts of all.

Riaz has produced such spells before on big platforms, most notably against arch-rivals India in the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup. He bagged a 5 wicket-haul back then. Those who witnessed that famous encounter at Mohali cannot forget the fast inswinging yorker that rattled the stumps of the in-form Yuvraj Singh first ball.

Riaz can bowl the bouncer, the yorker and the slow delivery at will. He is more than useful with the willow too and can swing a match on its heads in both innings.

#3 Shahid Afridi

Let's accept it. Cricket will never see a more mercurial character than Shahid Afridi. The tall and stylish Pathan can single-handedly dictate terms on his day and till date remains a heartthrob among fans.

Afridi's all-round abilities make him perfect for T20. Currently ranked 3rd among T20 all-rounders, boom boom Afridi has an enviable record in the shortest format of the game. In 77 T20 matches, Afridi has bagged 81 wickets and has scored 1142 runs. A flamboyant character, Afridi is a rare talent – perhaps best suited to the youngest format of the game of cricket.

#4 Mohammad Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez's all-round abilities make him a vital cog in the wheel of any team. A player capable of delivering with both bat and ball, Hafeez has an impressive T20 record. In 60 T20 matches played, he has scored 1316 runs and has scalped 46 victims.

An equally good fielder, he has contributed in all the three departments of the game to win or set up matches for Pakistan many times.

#5 Junaid Khan

Very few in international cricket can move the ball around like Junaid Khan. When the Pakistani team visited India in 2012-13, Indian batsmen had no answer to Junaid's seam and swing in the first ODI in Chennai. Junaid had claimed 4 wickets in the match.

When the conditions are right, he is extremely dangerous and can come up with match-winning spells.