History
The Pakistan Super League was officially launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in September 2015, with the first season taking place in February 2016.
Initially, all matches were held in the UAE due to security concerns.
As safety improved, matches began returning to Pakistan in 2019, boosting local morale and economy.
Since its debut, PSL has played a huge role in reviving international cricket in the country.
Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing talent and entertainment.
Teams
The PSL started with five franchises, each representing a major city in Pakistan. In 2018, a sixth team joined the league.
- Islamabad United
- Karachi Kings
- Lahore Qalandars
- Peshawar Zalmi
- Quetta Gladiators
- Multan Sultans
Format & Rules
PSL follows the popular T20 cricket format, offering fast-paced matches and thrilling finishes.
- 20 overs match.
- The league begins with a double round-robin, where each team faces all others twice.
- The top 4 teams qualify for the playoffs, which include a Qualifier, Eliminators, and the Final.
Matches follow official T20 International rules, including power plays, field restrictions, and the use of DRS (Decision Review System).
Winners List
| Season | Year | Winner | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016 | Islamabad United | Misbah-ul-Haq |
| 2 | 2017 | Peshawar Zalmi | Darren Sammy |
| 3 | 2018 | Islamabad United | Misbah-ul-Haq |
| 4 | 2019 | Quetta Gladiators | Sarfaraz Ahmed |
| 5 | 2020 | Karachi Kings | Imad Wasim |
| 6 | 2021 | Multan Sultans | Mohammad Rizwan |
| 7 | 2022 | Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| 8 | 2023 | Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Shah Afridi |
| 9 | 2024 | Islamabad United | Shadab Khan |
Expansion
The league began with 5 teams in 2016.
Multan Sultans joined as the 6th team in 2018, increasing the league’s reach and competitiveness.
The PCB is planning further expansion in the coming seasons to include more cities.
This will help grow domestic cricket, create more jobs, and engage even more fans across Pakistan.