One Pakistani player each IPL franchise could have signed had they been allowed to play

Pakistani players were a part of the Indian Premier League for the first few seasons. However, later, due to political reasons, they were disallowed to take part in the tournament. Though they were a part of the auctions for one season, since no IPL franchise picked them, they have not got a chance to play in the IPL since then.

Pakistan is the No.1 T20I team in the world right now and they have a number of talented players in the team. They are part of various T20 leagues around the world and would have made it to many IPL teams if not for the restriction. On that note, we have compiled a list of 1 player each team would have gone for based on their requirements if Pakistanis were allowed in the IPL

Royal Challengers Bangalore - Babar Azam

Babar Azam has been one of the best Pakistani batsmen in recent times. He has impressed in all the formats for his country and is a decent T20 batsman too. He is following the footsteps of Virat Kohli and with RCB needing a stable middle-order batsman, Babar Azam could have fulfilled the role easily.

He is good in the field too which would have been an added bonus. Babar Azam is touted to be one of the best batsmen in the future and an investment on him will be good for the future.

Mumbai Indians - Hasan Ali

Mumbai Indians needs a player like Hasan Ali now

Mumbai Indians have released both Pat Cummins and Mustafizur to the auctions. Hence, they have a vacancy for an overseas fast bowler.

Hasan Ali has been Pakistan's best limited-overs bowler in recent times and he could have forged a formidable partnership with Bumrah in the bowling line-up. He could have been a good option considering his age and his achievements so far.

Kolkata Knight Riders - Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen could have solved KKR's fast bowling issues

KKR have released Tom Curran, Mitchell Johnson, and Mitchell Starc, who are all good overseas fast bowling options. They need reinforcements now and KKR would have picked young Shaheen Afridi if he was allowed to play in IPL.

Afridi has been a wily left-arm pacer who has been troubling the batsmen with his swing and angling deliveries. Hence, he would have been a good option for KKR in the current circumstances.

Delhi Daredevils - Imad Wasim

Imad Wasim has been Pakistan's go-to all-rounder in the limited overs format

Delhi Daredevils have given away most of their all-rounders in Dan Christian, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, and Gurkeerat Singh Mann. Most importantly, their spin options are limited to the inconsistent the Amit Mishra-Jayant Yadav duo and the inexperienced Sandeep Lammichane. Hence, Pakistan's leading spin bowling all-rounder Imad Wasim could have been a good pick for DD. He can be a good No.7 with his bat and can offer his full quota of 4 overs.

Rajasthan Royals - Fakhar Zaman

Zaman would have been useful to Rajasthan

Rajasthan Royals have released D'Arcy Short and will look to sign a suitable replacement in the upcoming auctions. They did not have explosive starts last year and will look to resolve the same.

Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman would have been a good choice as the winner of the man-of-the-match in the final of Pakistan's successful Champions Trophy is their team's best-attacking player at the moment. He has invariably started with a good strike-rate for his country and those skills would have helped him get selected to Rajasthan Royals.

Sunrisers Hyderabad - Shoaib Malik

Malik could have been an automatic choice for SRH

SRH needs experience in the middle to accompany Manish Pandey if they lose early wickets. Malik was good in the Asia Cup and his batting skills could have solved SRH's middle-order issues.

He can offer a few overs too and youngsters like Deepak Hooda could have learned a lot from him. He would have perfectly complemented the trio of David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Manish Pandey. Moreover, he would get local support considering his wife Sania Mirza's roots in the city.

Kings XI Punjab - Sarfraz Ahmed

Sarfraz would have rendered balance to KXIP

KL Rahul was given the wicketkeeper duties last season which was heavily marred by an unstable middle-order.

Sarfraz Ahmed is a good wicketkeeper batsman who usually performs well under pressure. KXIP need such a player in the auctions and hence Sarfraz would have been a good choice. His captaincy skills would have helped Ashwin too.

Chennai Super Kings (Overseas slot not available)- Mohammad Amir

Amir would have been a success under Dhoni

CSK has no slot for an overseas player for the upcoming auctions. However, if Pakistani players were allowed in the IPL, Mohammed Amir would have been a good choice for the team from Chennai.

David Willey is currently a part of the CSK team and Amir could have replaced him. Although Amir's form has been dismal in recent times, his swing at the start of the innings can always result into wickets. He is a decent batsman as a tail ender which would have helped his team.