IPL 2018: 5 current Pakistani players who could have shined in the IPL

Cricket is a religion in India that it's people passionately follow. Step into Pakistan and you will find the same zeal and endearment for cricket within the people of Pakistan. Although in cricket, India and Pakistan are arch-rivals, it is love for the game that spreads brotherhood across the borders. Even though the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been staggering and unparalleled, non-participation of the Pakistani cricketers has left a void.

Had they been allowed to play, following players from the current Pakistani team would have shone in the IPL.

#5 Babar Azam - Batsman

Babar Azam has been great for Pakistan

Last year Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur compared Babar Azam with the Indian skipper Virat Kohli. The stylish No. 3 batsman for Pakistan has been exceptional right from the start of his career. Pakistan’s ‘rising son’ notched up five centuries in 25 ODI innings, becoming the second fastest to achieve this feat after Quinton de Kock.

The resolute and composed No. 3 has an excellent batting technique and can hold the innings together. He can also switch gears when required and hit boundaries at will. Ranked No.12 in T20Is and No.4 in ODIs Azam can be lethal in subcontinental conditions.

Here is a glimpse at his ODI and T20 career stats :

Babar Azam career stats - limited overs

Technically sound players have been highly successful in the IPL and Azam would have been one of them.

#4 Mohammad Amir - Fast bowler

Mohammad Amir is a match-winner

Pakistan has always been considered the land of menacing and fiery fast bowlers wreaking havoc in any batting line up. In this modern era of Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Amir is the one who is taking the legacy forward. Amir’s vehement spell to uproot the Indian top order in the ICC Champions Trophy (2017) final impressed the Pakistan fans and the neutral aficionados.

Amir has all the elements required in fast bowler - swing with lightning speed, a leg-crushing yorker, and a dangerous bouncer. Let us have a look at his career stats -

Mohammad Amir career stats - limited overs

His temperament was an issue which he has been working on after the spot-fixing saga that had handed him a 5-year-ban from cricket.

He can bowl hostile spells and give it everything in his quota of four overs in T20 cricket.

#3 Hasan Ali - Fast bowler

Adjudged as the ICC Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year 2017, Hasan Ali has become an indispensable member in Pakistan bowling line up in limited overs cricket. Unlike his fellow fast bowlers and former Pakistani bowlers, Hasan Ali does not rely only on pace. Although he can generate speeds of over 140 Kmph, he tries to trick the batsmen with his variations like the back of the hand slower balls and slower bouncers.

Hasan Ali has a lot of variations up his sleeves

Hasan Ali’s intensity and love for the game is unmatched. His numbers in limited overs cricket are marvelous gifting him a spot in ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2017. Let us have a look at his career stats -

Hasan Ali career stats - limited overs

In the T20 format variations are the key and Hasan Ali has many such variations in his armory.

#2 Shoaib Malik - All-rounder

India’s son-in-law and Pakistan’s one of the best modern-day batsmen, Shoaib Malik is one of the most cool-headed and astute players in the current Pakistan side. His ability to read the game and adapt accordingly has bailed Pakistan out of tough situations several times. He can play a waiting game or attack from the very first ball. His ability to use his feet decisively against the spinners makes it very tough to bowl at him.

Shoaib Malik's strength is playing spin

Apart from being a genius with the bat, Malik is also a great fielder, a handy off-spin bowler, and a great leader as well.

Here is a glimpse at his career stats -

Shoaib Malik career stats - limited overs

A batting all-rounder who has great match awareness and leadership skills, Malik would have been a great IPL player.

Note: Shoaib Malik has played 7 IPL games for Delhi Daredevils.

#1 Imad Wasim - Bowling all-rounder

The flamboyant Pakistani bowling all-rounder was the skipper of Pakistan’s 2006 U19 team which won the World Cup. Born in Swansea, Imad has played significant league cricket in England and Ireland. This has helped him become a more mature and thinking bowler. Accuracy is his strength and arm-ball is the stock delivery. An economy of just over six in T20I is an amazing feat to achieve.

Imad Wasim is an exciting prospect

With the bat too, the Southpaw can hit the ball a long way and is a great finisher. He will be leading the side Karachi Kings in PSL (Pakistan Super League) 2018. Let us have a look at his career stats -