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Bigger Than Premier League? PBKS Captain Shreyas Iyer Gauges Significance Of IPL

Akshita Patel

Shreyas Iyer compares IPL to EPL [Source: @XBrianDennis, @mufaddal_vohra, @IPL/X.com]Shreyas Iyer compares IPL to EPL [Source: @XBrianDennis, @mufaddal_vohra, @IPL/X.com]

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer made a bold statement after his team lost to Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 match on Saturday. He said IPL is much bigger and more challenging than the English Premier League (football), one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.

The Indian Premier League debuted 18 years ago in 2008. In this nearly two decades, the league has transformed into one of the most challenging and high-voltage franchise tournaments in the world.

While IPL’s significance in cricket is unmatched, Shreyas Iyer has suggested that the Indian Premier League is even bigger than one of football's finest tournaments.

Shreyas Iyer Explains Pressure Of IPL By Comparing It With EPL

After PBKS’ recent 6-wicket loss to DC, losing captain Shreyas Iyer reflected on how much the IPL means to Indian players by comparing it to the EPL.

The English Premier League (football) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world and Iyer’s statement reflects how exciting and emotionally charged the IPL has become over the years. 

 “It is bigger than the Premier League. You got to stay positive and calm. You come in with a fresh mindset on the next day. You have to stick to the present,” Iyer said (via Hindustan Times).

Meanwhile, despite losing the match against DC, the Kings are through to the playoffs. All they need is to win the last game against MI to stand a chance at finishing in top 2.

Iyer Shines With Gritty 50 Vs DC

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer starred with a brilliant 53 off 34 balls against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 match 66 at Jaipur. His knock, featuring 5 fours and 2 sixes, was his 4th fifty of the season and 25th in IPL history. 

Batting at No. 4, he anchored the innings with key partnerships alongside Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis, helping PBKS post 206/8. Iyer now has 484 runs in 13 innings at a superb strike rate of 172.24.

His inning came just hours after Iyer was ignored by the BCCI selection committee for India’s upcoming five-game Test tour to England.