5 Current popular cricketers who never played IPL

The Indian Premier League is the most competitive T20 league in the world. Season by season, the competition gets tougher and intense. IPL provides the perfect platform for youngsters to shine and make a name for themselves. With the price tag adding in, it attracts the attention of all the views across the globe. 

This T20 tournament has been so phenomenal that people do forget that few international stars do opt-out of IPL. Although some of them failed to get any bidders, they could have done well in this tournament. But, with so many proven performers, it is difficult for them to get into the squad. Even for some veterans in world cricket, IPL is a far-fetched dream. 

What is even more surprising is the fact that proven T20 performers go unsold. Those who have done well in the BBL or PSL sometimes find no bidders at all. Well, some big names have been unable to find bidders but they somehow get into the IPL as a replacement. But few get no scope at all. Let us have a look at-

5 Current popular cricketers who never played IPL

5. Mohammad Shahzad

Mohammad Shahzad is Afghanistan’s most popular batsman ever. He made his debut against Zimbabwe XI during the 2009 ICC World Cup qualifiers. However, he turned out to be the power hitter as he became the first Afghan to score a first-class double century. During that innings, he scored a magnificent 214. 

Because of his efforts, Afghanistan managed to chase 494 runs to defeat Canada in the Intercontinental Cup. Later on, he went to become the first Afghan cricketer to cross the 1000 run mark in List A cricket. If Afghanistan is becoming the dark horse in international cricket, one of the major reasons is Shahzad’s efforts in bringing on a change in the attitude of Afghanistan cricket. In the 2014 T20 World Cup, he scored a brilliant 68 that helped Afghanistan defeat Hong Kong. 

Mohammad Shahzad should have been a part of the IPL. His century against India during the 2018 Asia Cup was sufficient enough to prove that he is a match-winner. But, in a tournament where players from every nation trying to become a part of the league, Mohammad Shahzad has been unable to find any bidders. He is one of the premier Afghanistan players who had the talent to make an impact but got unfortunate.