'Shorter the better' - Zampa prefers length of PSL over IPL

The legspinner discusses what encouraged him to take up the deal in Pakistan in what was initially going to be time off

Danyal Rasool

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 11:24 PM (4 hrs ago)

Australian legspinner Adam Zampa says overseas players at the IPL "would love for it" to be a shorter competition, and that the length of that tournament was a decisive factor in him opting to play the PSL over the IPL.

Zampa, who has played five seasons at the IPL, said he'd initially planned to take a break in this window, but the PSL's timing and shorter window made it an attractive competition.

"I think the shorter the better [for T20 leagues]," Zampa told ESPNcricinfo during an interview in Lahore. "I won't speak for anyone else, but I'm assuming the guys at the IPL would love for it to not go for two-and-a-half months."

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Zampa entered the auction for the PSL for the first time in his career, and was the most expensive overseas bowler signed, with Karachi Kings snapping him up for PKR 45 million (approx. USD 161,000). He has helped Kings make the perfect start in the tournament, with the side sitting top of the table with three wins in three. That success has come in large part down to Zampa's own contributions, with his economy rate of 5.41 the second best in the league.

While the PSL might have been willing to stump up for Zampa's skillset, he said overseas legspinners were not valued in the same way in India, something that, according to him, happened "only at the IPL", in part due to the domestic depth.

"My skillset [doesn't get] the same value there, and you can understand the auction dynamics at the IPL always leans towards fast bowlers or allrounders," he said. "They go to domestic spinners more often than not in that competition. I think legspinners being undervalued is specific to the IPL. It's always been the case. You even look through good Australian legspinners who come to mind. Brad Hogg played a little bit of IPL. Shane Warne played a bit of IPL. No one else, really.

"You look at Adil Rashid who's had limited opportunities; he's one of the best to have done it. Overseas spinners are valued in the English competitions, and certainly in the Big Bash. Basically every other competition. Overseas finger spinners as well. In the IPL, they're few and far between unless you can hit it out of the park or you're a mystery spinner. So the fact that I can't hit the ball out of the ring isn't helpful to that either, but being a finger spinner and finger spinner only, it's hard to get a gig at [the IPL]."

My plan was to have a break but the best part about the PSL was the [relatively shorter] length of time. Same as any other franchise competition; IPL's the only one in the world that goes as long as it does. You can understand why. But I've definitely prioritised breaks and I think the PSL's length of time definitely suited me more. I get a bit of a break after the PSL before I have to go away and play for Australia. That was always a part of the consideration."

Adam Zampa

In spite of what Zampa perceived as his relatively modest remuneration at the IPL, he was signed for INR 24 million (approx. USD 258,000) by the Rajasthan Royals in 2025, about 60% more than his PSL earning this season. But it's not just the money, according to him.

Despite both leagues starting within two days of each other, the PSL final will take place on May 3, while the IPL ends on May 31. That opportunity to play a league where he was virtually guaranteed game time, and still have the opportunity to take a break, is among the key factors that tempted Zampa into playing the PSL for the first time.

"Compare the amount of time you have to spend [at the IPL], plus the potential to come in and out of XIs," Zampa said. "I was fortunate enough to actually start the IPL last year, but I picked up an injury and didn't get back there at all. Being in and out of [starting] XIs, my experience at Rajasthan a few years ago was I was bowling really well but I was behind [Yuzvendra] Chahal to be the No.1 spinner. Because it gives them the opportunity for them to pick another overseas allrounder.

"I was on contract with the Sunrisers and I opted out of the auction this year. My plan was to have a break but the best part about the PSL was the [relatively shorter] length of time. Same as any other franchise competition - [the] IPL's the only one in the world that goes as long as it does. You can understand why.

"But I've definitely prioritised breaks and I think the PSL's length of time definitely suited me more. I get a bit of a break after the PSL before I have to go away and play for Australia. That was always a part of the consideration."

Zampa celebrated his 34th birthday in Lahore at the end of last month. He is among the world's most experienced white-ball spinners, having made his debut over a decade ago. In that time, he has participated in eight different short-form franchise competitions while playing over 100 games in each of the two international white-ball formats.

For Zampa, that means his priorities have shifted. "I've just turned 34. So it's not like I'm playing in something like the IPL to be seen," he said. "I'm not looking at an opportunity to put my case forward to potentially get another contract at another auction. I'm past that now. Hence why the PSL is more of an opportunity for me and better suited to me."

It is, however, all in service to what leaves him best equipped to prolong his career with Australia. A number of Australian national cricketers - particularly in the red-ball side - are pushing mid to late 30s, and Zampa wants to make sure he gives himself the best chance to extend his career that far.

"I love playing for Australia," Zampa said. "It's my number one priority and always has been. I still feel super grateful every game I play for Australia. I didn't imagine I'd play 200-odd games for my country so every time I do it, I'm still pinching myself.

"I'd love to be part of the next T20 World Cup in Australia in 2028, and the Olympics if that's happening. I'll be 36, 37 so I'll definitely prioritise making sure I'm bowling well enough and ready for those two things and then worry about what's after."

Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo's Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000

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