After being shown the doors by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners, Ex New Zealand Head coach Mike Hesson has started singing praises for the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Hesson is among the people who have become fans of the PSL, which has brought down the IPL.
After the 2025 PSL Draft concluded, Mike Hesson has made a huge splash in the Indian Premier League. The Islamabad United coach has criticized the Indian Super League and its refereeing. Notably, Hesson served as the Head Coach of Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Director of Cricket Operations, and Head Coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
Mike Hesson praises PSL, looks at 'influential player base' in IPL
Well, Mike Hesson has created a storm with his bold comments about the Indian Premier League. He has been particularly critical of the controversial “influential player rule.” IndiaFranchise League. Hesson praised the Pakistan Super League and made it clear that he does not want to referee the IPL in the Pakistan T20 League.
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The former New Zealand coach has openly said that he does not like the IPL's 'influential player rule', but is happy that the IPL does not have such a rule. Hesson indicated that he does not want the controversial I-League rule to make its way into the Pakistan Super League.
“I don't like the 'impact player rule' in the IPL, and I'm happy that this rule has not been implemented in the IPL. I don't like to compare T20 leagues, but this IPL rule is something I don't want,” Mike Hesson said during the post-draft press conference. In PSL.
Mike Hesson said “I don't like the 'influential player rule' in IPL, and I'm glad this rule wasn't implemented in PSL. I don't like to compare T20 leagues, but this IPL rule is something which I don't want in PSL” 🇵🇰🇮🇳🤯
Do Indian fans agree with this statement? 🥶 pIC.RThIRRep.CSM/QCRDRIYSh48
– Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) CAnShApy 14, 2025
What is the player influence rule in the Indian Premier League?
Meanwhile, the 'Influential Player Rule' has been introduced in the ISL in 2023, which allows… difference To make strategic changes in their playing XI during matches.
Before the match, each team can select five substitute players, regardless of their starting lineup, and they must share the card at the draw.
During IPL matches, the captain can replace one of the playing XI players with an Impact player. For example, a team may bring in an extra batsman while chasing the target or bring in a specialist bowler while defending the target.
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Why did the BCCI introduce this rule?
BCCI introduced this rule to make the league more interesting, but many criticized this rule as it affected the growth and value of all-rounders. Notably, the Indian Premier League and PSL will be diametrically opposed this time, thanks to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In fact, the Pakistan Super League has been moved to the April-May window, with Pakistan hosting the Champions Cup 2025 in the PSL window, in February-March. While IPL 2025 is expected to be played between March 21 and May 25, PSL 2025 will be played between April 8 and May 19.
