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August 13, 2024
The Pakistan Super League (PSL), also known as the HBL PSL due to sponsorship, is a men’s Twenty20 cricket league featuring six city-based teams. Founded in 2015 by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the PSL operates as a single entity, with each franchise owned and controlled by investors rather than independently owned. Teams play a double round-robin format in the group stage, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs and the final. Over nine seasons, Islamabad United has been the most successful team, winning the title three times, while the Lahore Qalandars are the only team to successfully defend their title, winning back-to-back championships in 2023.
In September 2015, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the Pakistan Super League (PSL) launch. Former national captains Wasim Akram and Rameez Raja were signed as brand ambassadors for the league. After years of planning and two earlier failed attempts, the PSL officially began on February 4, 2016, with the opening ceremony inaugurated by UAE Sports Minister Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. The first two seasons featured five teams from Pakistan’s provincial capitals and the Federal capital. The league adopted a draft system for player recruitment, similar to North American sports leagues, rather than the auction system used by some other T20 leagues.
The PSL’s official logo was unveiled on September 20, 2015, in Lahore, attended by cricketers and Pakistani celebrities. In December 2015, the commercial rights for the initial franchises were sold for $93 million over 10 years. By 2017, PSL’s market value had surged to $300 million and had grown significantly.
In 2017, there were discussions about adding a sixth team to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), potentially from Azad Kashmir. Still, this idea was rejected in May 2016. Shortly after the 2017 PSL ended, it was confirmed that a sixth team would be introduced in the following season. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeezur Rehman supported including a team from their regions. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shortlisted five potential names for the new team: Faisalabad, FATA, Hyderabad, Dera Murad Jamali, and Multan.
On June 1, 2017, the PCB officially announced that the new team for the 2018 season would be the Multan Sultans, owned by Schön Properties, with an annual fee of $5.2 million. However, on November 10, 2018, the PCB terminated the franchise agreement with Schön Properties. The new owners decided to keep the name Multan Sultans for the franchise.
In May 2016, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the first season of the PSL had made a profit of $2.6 million. By the 2022 season, held entirely in Pakistan, the PSL saw a 71% profit increase. Each franchise received Rs. 900 million ($3.1 million) in revenue before the season began. For the 2023 season, the PSL generated over Rs. 5 billion in revenue from broadcasting rights, title sponsorships, ticket sales, and other related rights.
The PSL follows a double round-robin format where each team plays every other team twice. The top four teams advance to the playoffs using the Page playoff system, similar to the Indian Premier League (IPL). The league adhered to International Cricket Council (ICC) rules. It was the first to introduce the Decision Review System (DRS) for T20 matches, a system later adopted by the ICC.
In the group stage, teams earn two points for a win, one for a no-result, and none for a loss. A super over determines the winner if scores are tied after the regular overs. Teams are ranked based on:
A superover decides the winner in playoff matches if there is no result. If a super over isn’t possible or ends in a tie, the team with the higher league position at the end of the regular season is declared the winner.
The PSL is held annually in February and March, except for interruptions caused by COVID-19. Typically, the PSL takes place before the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, in 2025, the PSL and IPL will overlap.
The first season of the PSL was held entirely in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns. Islamabad United won the inaugural title by defeating the Quetta Gladiators in the final. Peshawar Zalmi claimed the championship in 2017, beating the Quetta Gladiators in Lahore on March 5. Islamabad United won again in 2018, overcoming the defending champions, Peshawar Zalmi, on March 25. The Quetta Gladiators secured their first title on March 17, 2019, by defeating Peshawar Zalmi in Karachi.
In 2020, the Karachi Kings took home the trophy. The Multan Sultans won their first title on June 24, 2021, by beating Peshawar Zalmi in Abu Dhabi. Lahore Qalandars claimed their first title on February 27, 2022, defeating the Multan Sultans. The Lahore Qalandars won their second consecutive title by narrowly beating the Multan Sultans by 1 run on March 18, 2023. Islamabad United became the first team to win three titles on March 18, 2024, by defeating the Multan Sultans by 2 wickets, marking Multan’s fourth consecutive final and third straight runner-up finish.
Karachi Kings: The Karachi Kings, one of the prominent teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), joined the league in its inaugural season in 2016. Known for their passionate fan base and competitive spirit, the Kings have consistently been a strong contender in the tournament. One of their top players is Babar Azam, a prolific batsman renowned for his consistency and elegant stroke play. Azam’s leadership and outstanding performances have been instrumental in the team’s success and elevating the Kings’ profile in the PSL.
Lahore Qalandars: The Lahore Qalandars, a dynamic team in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have been part of the league since its inaugural season in 2016. Known for their vibrant playing style and strong fan following, the Qalandars have significantly impacted the PSL. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the team’s top player, is celebrated for his exceptional fast bowling and match-winning performances. Afridi’s ability to take crucial wickets and impressive pace make him a key asset for the Qalandars and a standout player in the league.
Multan Sultans: The Multan Sultans joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2018 and quickly established themselves as a competitive force. Known for their balanced team and strategic gameplay, the Sultans have consistently been strong contenders. Their top player, Rizwan Mohammad, is renowned for his outstanding wicketkeeping and consistent batting. Rizwan’s leadership and crucial runs have been pivotal to the team’s performance and have made him a key figure in the Sultans’ success in the PSL.
Peshawar Zalmi: Peshawar Zalmi joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in its inaugural season in 2016 and has been a formidable team ever since. Known for their aggressive play and enthusiastic fan base, the Zalmi have won the PSL title once and consistently perform well. Their top player, Babar Azam, is celebrated for his exceptional batting skills and consistency. Azam’s leadership and prolific run-scoring ability have driven Zalmi’s success and maintained their competitive edge in the league.
Quetta Gladiators: The Quetta Gladiators joined the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the league’s inaugural season in 2016 and have been a strong competitor ever since. Renowned for their dynamic team and strategic play, the Gladiators won the PSL title in 2019. Their top player, Sarfaraz Ahmed, stands out for his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and influential leadership. Sarfaraz’s ability to anchor the innings and tactical acumen have been instrumental in the Gladiators’ performances and successes in the PSL.
Islamabad United: Islamabad United, a founding team of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), entered the league in its inaugural season in 2016 and quickly became one of its most successful franchises. Known for their strategic approach and strong performances, Islamabad United has won the PSL title twice, in 2016 and 2018. Their top player, Shadab Khan, is celebrated for his all-round capabilities, particularly his impactful leg-spin bowling and effective batting. Shadab’s leadership and versatile contributions have been pivotal in the team’s consistent success and competitive edge in the PSL.
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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