Kamran Akmal Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi from left [Source: X]While IPL-linked franchises are now reportedly shutting doors on Pakistani cricketers across global T20 leagues, there was a time at the golden era when Pakistan's finest graced the Indian Premier League. The Indian Premier League's inaugural edition in 2008 featured some of Pakistan's biggest stars, but diplomatic tensions after the 2008 Mumbai attacks ended that chapter permanently after 2009. Recently, The Hundred, as well as other T20 Leagues that features India based franchises, are mulling to boycott Pakistan players completely. Let’s take a look at every Pakistan player who adorned the T20 Leagues under Indian IPL teams. 1. Sohail Tanvir – Rajasthan Royals Sohail Tanvir was arguably one of the best Pakistani performer in IPL history. Tanvir won the Purple Cap in IPL 2008, claiming 22 wickets in the tournament and registering devastating figures of 6/14. He was one of the pillars of Rajasthan Royals for winning the 2008 IPL title. 2. Kamran Akmal – Rajasthan Royals The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter from Pakistan, Kamran Akmal, played 6 matches for the Royals and was bought for INR 60 lakh. He was also part of their historic inaugural IPL title-winning squad in 2008 while adding with his valuable wicketkeeping and batting skills.3. Younis Khan – Rajasthan Royals Pakistan's legendary Test batter had a fleeting IPL appearance, featuring in just 1 match for the Rajasthan Royals. The shortest stint of any Pakistani on this list, but history-making nonetheless as part of the 2008 title squad. 4. Shoaib Akhtar – Kolkata Knight Riders The Rawalpindi Express brought his raw pace to the IPL with KKR, taking 5 wickets in 3 matches, including a stunning 4/11 against Delhi, a spell that reminded the world exactly why he was cricket's fastest bowler. However, it was sad to see that his stint ended early due to injuries. 5. Umar Gul – Kolkata Knight Riders One of Pakistan's most reliable death bowlers at the time, Umar Gul was highly effective for KKR who claimed 12 wickets in 6 matches with BBI of 4/23, making him one of the more productive Pakistani performers across the two seasons. Also Read: Mustafizur Rahman Returns To IPL Teams' Wishlist Despite BCCI Contract Snub6. Salman Butt – Kolkata Knight Riders The classic Pakistani left-handed opener contributed 193 runs in 7 matches for KKR, providing the team with solid top-order starts. Butt was bought for INR 40.16 lakh in the 2008 season, where he boasted an average of 27.57 from his 7 appearances. 7. Mohammad Hafeez – Kolkata Knight Riders The "Professor" Mohammad Hafeez represented KKR across 8 matches, contributing 64 runs and 2 wickets. A reliable all-round option, Hafeez's disciplined off-spin and handy batting added balance to KKR's squad. 8. Shahid Afridi – Deccan Chargers Boom Boom Shahid Afridi was the most expensive Pakistani signing of the era for INR 2.71 crore. Despite the big price tag, Afridi delivered a mixed campaign, 81 runs and 9 wickets in 10 matches for Deccan Chargers. 9. Shoaib Malik – Delhi Daredevils The versatile all-rounder Shoaib Malik played 7 matches for Delhi, scoring 52 runs and picking up 2 wickets. Malik's experience and calm under pressure made him a useful squad member for the Daredevils. 10. Mohammad Asif – Delhi Daredevils One of the finest swing bowlers of his generation, Asif took 8 wickets in 8 matches for Delhi Daredevils. His control and movement made him one of the more impressive Pakistani bowlers across both IPL seasons he featured for. 11. Misbah-ul-Haq – Royal Challengers Bangalore Misbah-ul-Haq played 8 matches for the iconic Royal Challengers Bengaluru, accumulating 117 runs with his trademark cool-headed batting. Misbah's composure and ability to anchor an innings were the main features of his IPL stint. 12. Azam Khan – Barbados RoyalsThe hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter and son of legendary Moin Khan represented Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League in 2021 and 2022, a franchise backed by IPL side Rajasthan Royals. Azam's explosive power-hitting made him a natural fit for T20 cricket's shortest formats, and the CPL provided him a platform when other IPL-linked leagues remained out of reach for Pakistani players. 13. Shadab Khan – Trinbago Knight RidersThe talismanic leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan found a home at Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL, owned by Red Chillies Entertainment, the same group behind Kolkata Knight Riders. Shadab's wrist spin and explosive lower-order hitting made him a prized asset in 2017 for 30,000 USD. 14. Mohammad Hasnain – Trinbago Knight RidersThe express pace bowler, capable of consistently touching 150 km/h, represented Trinbago Knight Riders in the CPL under KKR's ownership group. He featured in the 2019 edition, where he bagged 6 wickets from his 4 appearances. 15. Yasir Shah – Trinbago Knight RidersPakistan's premier leg-spinner of the last decade, Yasir brought his distinctive googly and flight to the Caribbean Premier League with Trinbago Knight Riders. Having been there since 2017, Yasir featured in 2 matches and appeared in 2021 in just one match while failing to pick any wicket.Also Read: Top 5 Batters With Most Runs In T20 World Cup 2026 Group Stage
