PSL: The league that transformed Pakistan cricket

The tenth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), featuring six teams, has kicked off. A total of 34 matches will be held across Rawalpindi, Karachi, Multan, and Lahore. The playoffs are scheduled for May 13 in Rawalpindi, with subsequent matches in Lahore on May 14 and 16, culminating in the grand final in Lahore on May 18.

Six teams Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators are participating in the event.

As the PSL unfolds in April and May, it overlaps with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Notably, this season marks the last of the six-team format, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the current franchises have confirmed plans to introduce two new teams by 2026, increasing the total number of teams from six to eight as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). After the ongoing tenth season, the ten-year lease ownership agreements with franchise owners expire in 2025.

Lahore’s revamped Gaddafi Stadium will be the hub of activity, hosting 13 matches, including two playoff games and the final. Rawalpindi will see 11 matches, including the opening game and the first qualifier, while Karachi and Multan will each host five matches.

Karachi Kings, the champions of the league’s fifth edition, are set to kick off their campaign on April 12, facing last season’s runners-up, Multan Sultans, in their home ground.

Multan Sultans, who clinched the title in the sixth edition, will square off against Lahore Qalandars on April 22 for the first match of HBL PSL X at Multan Cricket Stadium.

On April 24, Lahore Qalandars will meet Peshawar Zalmi, the champions of both the seventh and eighth editions.

Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi is scheduled to host five matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Quetta Gladiators, victorious in the fourth edition, will also have their share of the action with five matches to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

This season will feature three double-headers: on April 12, Peshawar Zalmi takes on Quetta Gladiators in Rawalpindi, and Karachi Kings face Multan Sultans in Karachi.

Later, on May 1, fans can catch Sultans against Kings in Multan, along with Qalandars versus Gladiators. The final double-header will see Sultans play Gladiators in Multan, alongside United taking on Kings in Rawalpindi on May 10.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has rapidly risen to prominence and is now regarded as the second biggest cricket league in the world, after the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Launched in 2016, the PSL has become a significant force in the global cricketing calendar, attracting top international talent, boosting the sport’s profile in Pakistan, and contributing to the country’s growing cricket infrastructure.

The league’s popularity stems from its exciting format, with franchises like Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, and Peshawar Zalmi drawing passionate fan bases.

The PSL’s appeal is further enhanced by the high level of competition, with marquee players from across the world, including former and current international stars, participating alongside Pakistani cricketers.

The IPL still leads in terms of revenue, viewer numbers, and market size, but the PSL’s growth, especially in terms of fan engagement and on-field quality, increasing every year.

The league not only provides thrilling cricket but also showcases Pakistan’s potential to host major sporting events, as it has become a symbol of resilience and growth for Pakistani cricket.

Islamabad United is the defending champions of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9, beating Multan Sultans on the last ball by two wickets in Karachi last week.

Shadab Khan-led Islamabad, adding to their title wins in 2016 and 2018, are now the most successful team in the event’s history with three titles.

That was the fourth consecutive final that the Multan Sultans featured in, but after the final in 2021, they lost all three finals — to Lahore Qalandars in 2022 and 2023 and Islamabad United in 2024.

Peshawar Zalmi’s captain, Babar Azam was the best batsman of PSL season 9. He scored 569 runs in including one century and five fifties, in the tournament at the average of 56.90 and the strike rate of 142.60.

Among overseas stars, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen was the most successful batsman with 364 runs in seven appearances. He scored one century and three fifties with an average of 72.8 while his strike rate was 154.89.

Multan Sultans’ leg-spinner Usama Mir was the most successful bowler of the PSL season 9. He took 24 wickets with an average of 15.87. His best figure was 6-40 against Lahore Qalandars. Usama’s teammate fast bowler Mohammad Ali was behind him with 19 scalps, averaging 18.63.

West Indies’ spinner Akeal Hosein with 15 wickets for Quetta and England’s left-arm seamer Luke Wood 12 wickets for Peshawar were the leading wicket-takers among the overseas players.

In the coming years, the PSL is expected to continue evolving, aiming to close the gap with the IPL and further cement its place as one of the premier T20 leagues globally.

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