The Pakistan Super League (PSL), a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing identity, is poised to mark its historic 10th season. Scheduled to take place from April 10 to May 25, 2025, the tournament promises to be a spectacle of talent and competition, featuring six teams playing 34 matches across four cities. This milestone season represents not only a celebration of PSL’s achievements but also its future, as the league expands to an eight-team format starting in 2026.

The Journey of PSL: From Vision to Global Recognition

The PSL’s origins trace back to 2014 when then PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf envisioned creating a cricketing brand that could showcase Pakistan’s talent on a global stage. This vision materialized on February 4, 2016, when the first PSL season was inaugurated in the United Arab Emirates by UAE Sports Minister Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

Initially comprising five teams—Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Peshawar Zalmi—the league soon grew to include Multan Sultans in 2018. Since then, PSL has drawn comparisons to international leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), owing to its high standards and ability to attract top cricketing talent from around the world.

A Timeline of Milestones

2016-2017: The UAE Era

The inaugural and second seasons of the PSL were entirely played in the UAE due to security concerns in Pakistan following the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team. Islamabad United, under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq, clinched the first title in 2016, setting the tone for the league’s competitive spirit.

2018: The Return of Cricket to Pakistan

The third season saw a partial return of matches to Pakistan, with three games, including the final, 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 landmark—all matches were held within the country, signifying the full revival of international cricket in Pakistan.

2022-2024: Establishing Legacy

The PSL continued its upward trajectory, with Lahore Qalandars becoming the first team to successfully defend its title in 2023. Islamabad United solidified their dominance, winning their third title in 2024.

The PSL Legacy: Strengthening
Pakistan’s Cricket

Every PCB chairman since 2014 Zaka Ashraf, Najam Sethi, Ehsan Mani, Ramiz Raja and of course Mohsin Naqvi has played a pivotal role in shaping the PSL as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing identity. The league has not only provided a platform for emerging talents but has also significantly contributed to the revival and growth of cricket in Pakistan. From hosting global stars to unearthing local gems, PSL’s journey over the last decade stands as a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and passion for the sport.

As PSL enters its 10th season, the anticipation and excitement among fans and players alike are palpable. With its unwavering commitment to excellence, the league continues to shine as a beacon of cricketing pride for Pakistan.

Season 10: What to
Expect

This season will be the final iteration with six teams before the league expands in 2026. The participating franchises, including defending champions Islamabad United, will battle it out 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 feature in his 10th consecutive PSL season, representing Quetta Gladiators.

Expanded Competition Ahead: From 2026, the PSL will introduce two new franchises, transforming it into an eight-team league.

Team Squads: A Mix of Talent and Experience

Karachi Kings

Platinum: Adam Milne, David Warner, Mohammad Abbas Afridi

Diamond: Hasan Ali, James Vince, Khushdil Shah

Gold: Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shan Masood

Silver: Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador), Litton Das, Mir Hamza, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mehmood

Emerging: Fawad Ali, Riazullah

Supplementary: Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Omair Bin Yousuf, Mirza Mamoon

Lahore Qalandars

Platinum: Daryl Mitchell, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi (Captain)

Diamond: Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador), Kusal Perera, Sikandar Raza

Gold: Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan

Silver: Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, David Wiese, Muhammad Akhlaq, Rishad Hossain

Emerging: Mohammad 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 Dwarhuis, Salman Ali Agha (Brand Ambassador), Haider Ali

Silver: Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad

Emerging: Hunain Shah, Saad Masood

Supplementary: Riley Meredith, Rassie van der Dussen

Quetta Gladiators

Platinum: Faheem Ashraf, Finn Allen and Mark Chapman

Diamond: Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir and Rilee Rossouw Akeal Hosein

Gold: Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim Jnr

Silver: Haseebullah Khan, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Kyle Jamieson, Khurram Shahzad and Usman Tariq

Emerging: Mohammad Zeeshan and Hasan Nawaz

Supplementary: Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis, Sean Abbott and Shoaib Malik

Peshawar Zalmi

Platninum: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore

Diamond: Corbin Bosch, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Haris

Gold: Abdul Samad, Hussain Talat and Nahid Rana

Silver: Arif Yaqoob, Najeebullah Zadran, Max Bryant, Mehran Mumtaz and Sufyan Moqim

Emerging: Ali Raza and Maaz Sadaqat

Supplementary: Ahmed Daniyal and Alzarri Joseph

Multan Sultans

Platinum: Michael Bracewell, Mohammad Rizwan and Usama Mir

Diamond: David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Khan

Gold: Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain

Silver: Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little, Faisal Akram and Tayyab Tahir

Emerging: Ubaid Shah and Shahid Aziz

Supplementary: Johnson Charles, Muhammad Amir Barki, Shai Hope and Yasir Khan