Pakistan’s identity PSL all set for historic 10th season | Sports
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The Pakistan Super League (PSL), the symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing identity, is all set to celebrate its historic 10th season. Scheduled from April 10 to May 25, 2025, the tournament promises to be a spectacle of talent and competition, with six teams playing 34 matches across four cities. This milestone season not only celebrates PSL’s achievements but also represents its future, as the league expands to an eight-team format starting in 2026.
The PSL Journey: From Vision to Global Recognition
The PSL originated in 2014 when then PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf envisioned creating a cricket brand that could showcase Pakistan’s talent at the global level. The vision came to light on February 4, 2016 when UAE Minister of Sports Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan inaugurated the first season of the PSL in the United Arab Emirates.
Initially consisting of five teams—Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Peshawar Zalmi—the league soon expanded to include Multan Sultans in 2018. Since then, the PSL has drawn comparisons with international leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL). And Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), attracting top cricketing talent from around the world due to its high quality and talent.
Timeline of milestones
2016-2017: UAE era
Due to security concerns in Pakistan following the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009, the inaugural and second seasons of the PSL were played entirely in the UAE. Islamabad United, under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq, won the first title in 2016, setting the tone for the competitive spirit of the league.
2018: Cricket Returns to Pakistan
The third season saw a partial return to matches in Pakistan, with three matches, including the final, being played on home soil. This season also welcomed Multan Sultans, expanding the league to six teams.
2019-2020: Complete revival of cricket in Pakistan
Building on its momentum, PSL 2019 hosted eight matches in Pakistan. By 2020, the league achieved a historic milestone — all matches were held domestically, marking the full revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
2022-2024: Establishing the legacy
PSL continues its upward momentum, with Lahore Qalandars becoming the first team to successfully defend their title in 2023. Islamabad United cemented their dominance by winning their third title in 2024.
PSL Legacy: Strengthening Pakistan’s Cricket
Since 2014, each PCB chairman, Zaka Ashraf, Najam Sethi, Ehsan Mani, Rameez Raja and of course Mohsin Naqvi has played a significant role in shaping the PSL as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing identity. The league has not only provided a platform to emerging talent but also played a significant role in the revival and development of cricket in Pakistan. From hosting global stars to unearthing local gems, PSL’s journey over the past decade is a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and passion for the game.
As the PSL enters its 10th season, the anticipation and excitement among fans and players alike is palpable. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, the league shines as a beacon of pride for cricket in Pakistan.
Season 10: What to Expect
This season will be the last iteration with six teams before the league expands in 2026. Participating franchises, including defending champions Islamabad United, will compete in a double-round-robin format, followed by playoffs. Notable highlights include:
Clash with IPL: Due to the Champions Trophy schedule, PSL 2025 will coincide with the Indian Premier League, offering fans an intense cricketing calendar.
Legendary continuity: Shoaib Malik will represent Quetta Gladiators in the 10th consecutive season of PSL.
Enhanced competition: From 2026, the PSL will introduce two new franchises, making it an eight-team league.
Team Squads: Combination of talent and experience
Karachi Kings
Platinum: Adam Milne, David Warner, Mohammad Abbas Afridi
Diamond: Hasan Ali, James Vince, Khushdil Shah
Gold: Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaan Masood
Silver: Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador), Liton Das, Mir Hamza, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mehmood
Emerging: Fawad Ali, Riazullah
Supplementary: Kane Williamson, Muhammad Nabi, Umeer Bin Yusuf, Mirza Mamoon
Lahore Qalandars
Platinum: Daryl Mitchell, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain)
Diamond: Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador), Kosal Perera, Sikandar Raza
Gold: Abdullah Shafiq, Jehandad Khan, Zaman Khan
Silver: Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, David Wise, Mohammad Akhlaq, Rashad Hussain
Emerging: Muhammad Azab, Momin Qamar
Supplementary: Mohammad Naeem, Sam Billings, Salman Ali Mirza, Tom Curran
Islamabad United
Platinum: Matthew Short, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan (captain)
Diamond: Imad Wasim (Mentor), Azam Khan, Jason Holder
Gold: Ben Darhous, Salman Ali Agha (Brand Ambassador), Hyder Ali
Silver: Andries Goss, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Roman Raees, Salman Irshad
Emerging: Haneen Shah, Saad Masood
Subs: Riley Meredith, Rosie van der Dusen
Quetta Gladiators
Platinum: Faheem Ashraf, Finn Allen and Mark Chapman
Diamond: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir and Riley Russo Akil Hussain
Gold: Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim Jr
Silver: Haseebullah Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Nafee, Kyle Jamieson, Khurram Shahzad and Usman Tariq.
Emerging: Muhammad Zeeshan and Hassan Nawaz
Supplementary: Danish Aziz, Kosal Mendes, Sean Abbott and Shoaib Malik
Peshawar Zalmi
Platinum: Babar Azam, Saeem Ayub, Tom Koehler-Cadmore
Diamond: Corbin Bush, Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Harris
Gold: Abdul Samad, Hussain Talat and Naheed Rana
Silver: Arif Yaqoob, Najeebullah Zadran, Max Bryant, Mehran Mumtaz and Sufyan Muqim
Emerging: Ali Raza and Moaz Sadaqat
Subs: Ahmad Daniyal and Al-Zari Joseph
Multan Sultans
Platinum: Michael Bracewell, Mohammad Rizwan and Osama Mir
Diamond: David Wiley, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Khan
Gold: Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain
Silver: Akif Javed, Gadakesh Moti, Josh Little, Faisal Akram and Tayyab Tahir.
Emerging: Obaid Shah and Shahid Aziz
Supplementary: Johnson Charles, Mohammad Amir Barki, Shai Hope and Yasir Khan
