List of Pakistan Players Who Played IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most competitive cricket leagues in the world. While players from all over the globe participate in the tournament, Pakistan cricketers were part of the IPL only in its inaugural season in 2008. Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, they were banned from IPL from 2009 onwards. However, their performance in IPL 2008 left a significant mark on the league’s history.

Let’s take a detailed look at the Pakistan cricketers who played in IPL 2008, their teams, and their individual performances.

List of Pakistan Players in IPL 2008 and Their Performance

1. Shahid Afridi – Deccan Chargers

Shahid Afridi, known for his aggressive batting and leg-spin bowling, was signed by Deccan Chargers in IPL 2008. Afridi played as an all-rounder, contributing both with the bat and ball. However, he had a below-par season with the bat, scoring only 81 runs in 10 matches. With the ball, he had a better impact, picking up 9 wickets. Despite his efforts, Deccan Chargers finished last in the points table.

• Matches Played: 10
• Runs Scored: 81
• Wickets Taken: 9

2. Shoaib Malik – Delhi Daredevils

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in IPL 2008. He was a part of the team as a batting all-rounder but struggled with his form. Malik managed only 52 runs in 7 matches, with his highest score being 24. He also bowled occasionally, picking up 2 wickets.

• Matches Played: 7
• Runs Scored: 52
• Wickets Taken: 2

3. Sohail Tanvir – Rajasthan Royals

Sohail Tanvir was the most successful Pakistan cricketer in IPL history. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, he won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets in IPL 2008. His 6/14 spell against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) remains one of the best bowling figures in IPL history. Tanvir played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ title-winning campaign under Shane Warne.

• Matches Played: 11
• Runs Scored: 36
• Wickets Taken: 22 (Purple Cap Winner)

4. Shoaib Akhtar – Kolkata Knight Riders

One of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, Shoaib Akhtar played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2008. He played only 3 matches but made a big impact with the ball. His 4-wicket haul (4/11) against Delhi Daredevils was one of the best spells in the tournament. However, due to injuries and fitness issues, he could not play more matches.

• Matches Played: 3
• Wickets Taken: 5

5. Misbah-ul-Haq – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Pakistan’s middle-order batter Misbah-ul-Haq played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2008. He played 8 matches and scored 117 runs at a strike rate of 144.44. Misbah was expected to perform better, but his team struggled throughout the season, finishing second-last on the points table.

• Matches Played: 8
• Runs Scored: 117

6. Mohammad Asif – Delhi Daredevils

Right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Asif played for Delhi Daredevils in IPL 2008. He was a key part of the bowling attack, picking up 8 wickets in 8 matches. Unfortunately, his career was later overshadowed by match-fixing controversies, which led to a ban from international cricket.

• Matches Played: 8
• Wickets Taken: 8

7. Umar Gul – Kolkata Knight Riders

Pace bowler Umar Gul played for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2008. He was one of the most effective bowlers for KKR, taking 12 wickets in just 6 matches. His best performance came against Kings XI Punjab, where he took 4 wickets for 23 runs.

• Matches Played: 6
• Runs Scored: 12
• Wickets Taken: 12

8. Kamran Akmal – Rajasthan Royals

Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal was part of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008. He played 6 matches, scoring 128 runs at a strike rate of 164.1. He played a supporting role in the middle order and was part of the title-winning squad.

• Matches Played: 6
• Runs Scored: 128

9. Salman Butt – Kolkata Knight Riders

Left-handed opener Salman Butt played for KKR in IPL 2008. He had a decent season, scoring 193 runs in 7 matches, with his highest score being 73. He formed a strong opening pair with Sourav Ganguly.

• Matches Played: 7
• Runs Scored: 193

10. Younis Khan – Rajasthan Royals

One of Pakistan’s greatest Test batters, Younis Khan, was signed by Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008. However, he played only one match, scoring just 3 runs.

• Matches Played: 1
• Runs Scored: 3

11. Mohammad Hafeez – Kolkata Knight Riders

All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez played for KKR in IPL 2008. He had a disappointing season, scoring only 64 runs in 8 matches. He also picked up 2 wickets with his off-spin bowling.

• Matches Played: 8
• Runs Scored: 64
• Wickets Taken: 2

Why Did Pakistan Players Stop Playing in IPL?

After IPL 2008, Pakistani players were banned from IPL due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. The relations between the two countries affected sports, and since then, no Pakistan cricketer has participated in the tournament.