5 Reasons why PSL is not meeting IPL standards

3. No international schedule during the IPL window

The timing of the IPL is nearly perfect. It is mostly played between the months of April and May. During IPL’s early years, there used to be some international games during those months but as the league has grown, even those have reduced quite a bit. In fact, international cricket bodies tend to avoid playing bilaterals during the IPL.

It not only helps the players but also the attraction the series gets would be less than what it would otherwise. England were one country that start their international summer as early as May. Hence, one of the teams end up missing the back half of the IPL. However, that is slowly changing as well. Next year, England’s season starts on in the first week of June which will allow their players to stay back for the entire season of the IPL as well.

2019 was a slight exception. While there was the World Cup this year and teams started preparing early for the mega event, they called their players back early. However, apart from that, most international teams prefer not to keep any international assignments during the IPL.

The same cant be said about the PSL. It is mostly played in February and March which is mostly the back end of the summer in three countries – Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Moreover, with India constantly playing, it keeps one other team busy as well. Hence, the players’ availability is a big issue.