Australian spinner Adam Zampa expressed his preference for shorter T20 league windows, specifically citing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Zampa, who is representing Karachi Kings in the ongoing PSL season, explained that the length of the tournament was a primary factor in his decision to skip the IPL 2026.

Despite having represented multiple IPL franchises—including Rising Pune Supergiant, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad—the leg-spinner chose not to feature in the 350-player shortlist for the 2026 auction.

In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Zampa confirmed that despite initially planning a break, PSL’s appealing PSL's quicker turnaround (ending May 3) appealed him, compared to the long IPL (ending May 31).

"I think the shorter the better [for T20 leagues]. 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," Zampa said.

He further stated that IPL teams prefer domestic spinners, fast bowlers, or overseas allrounders, citing limited opportunities for foreign spinners.

"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 remarked. "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]."

In 2024, Adam Zampa pulled out of his INR 1.5 crore contract with Rajasthan Royals, citing that he was "completely drained" from a heavy international schedule and wanted to prioritize his young family and mental health.

For the 2025 season, Zampa was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 2.4 crore. He played only two matches before being ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury

In contrast, Zampa’s 2026 PSL contract with Karachi Kings is valued at approximately PKR 4.5 crore (roughly ₹1.51 crore), which is notably lower than some of his previous IPL earnings but aligns with his desire for a shorter playing window.

"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."

At 34, Zampa is prioritizing longevity, aiming for the T20 World Cup and the Olympics in 2028. Moreover, the 34-year-old no longer feels the need to play in the IPL to prove his worth for future contracts.

"I've just turned 34. So it's not like I'm playing in something like the IPL to be seen. 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," Zampa said.

"I love playing for Australia. 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," he concluded.