Zampa snubs IPL for PSL, hails Afridi as all-time favourite

Australia’s leg-spinner Adam Zampa has shed more light on his decision to opt for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the Indian Premier League (IPL), while also naming Shahid Afridi as his all-time favourite Pakistani cricketer.

Speaking on an ARY podcast, Zampa said the time commitment required for the IPL does not match the financial returns for players with his skill set.

“To be brutally honest, for someone like me, the money isn’t quite there compared to other roles. Considering the time the IPL demands, it didn’t feel worthwhile,” he said.

The 34-year-old went unsold in the IPL 2026 mini-auction after being released by Sunrisers Hyderabad, before joining Karachi Kings, where he has made an immediate impact.

Zampa said he had initially planned to take a break from franchise cricket, but accepted the PSL offer when it came. “It all happened quickly, and I’m really enjoying the experience,” he added.

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Praising the standard of the HBL PSL, he said the tournament features high-quality bowling attacks, making even seemingly straightforward matches highly competitive.

He also highlighted the positive dressing room environment at Karachi Kings, noting strong camaraderie between local and overseas players.

Zampa named Afridi as his all-time favourite from Pakistan, while picking fast bowler Hasan Ali as a current player he enjoys watching. He also lauded Shaheen Shah Afridi, saying the left-arm pacer always creates excitement with his wicket-taking ability.

“When Shaheen is bowling, it feels like something is about to happen. He’s always a challenge to face,” Zampa said.

The leg-spinner also mentioned his friendship with Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf, adding that he has shared the field with him on several occasions. Among his Australian teammates, he named Nathan Ellis as a close friend and expressed hope of seeing him feature for Karachi Kings in future PSL editions.

Reflecting on his career, Zampa described Australia’s triumph at the 2023 ICC World Cup as the most memorable moment of his life, and recalled the dressing room atmosphere during Glenn Maxwell’s remarkable innings against Afghanistan as unforgettable.

Zampa’s move to the PSL appears to be paying off, offering him consistent game time and a rewarding experience both on and off the field.