The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) celebrates its tenth anniversary this Friday — a major milestone in its journey from fledgling franchise league to a global T20 cricketing brand. Over the past decade, the PSL has delivered high-octane entertainment, nurtured emerging talent, and captivated a cricket-obsessed nation.
From UAE Beginnings to Global Recognition
Launched on neutral grounds in the UAE, the PSL has grown into Pakistan’s most valuable sporting product, now widely hailed as the second-best T20 league in the world. A decade of strategic planning and execution by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has paid off, elevating Pakistan’s cricketing stature globally.
2025 Edition: New Tech, Big Names
The landmark season introduces Match Official Technology (MOT) and Player Tracking Technology. Cricket icons like Sir Alastair Cook and Lisa Sthalekar join the commentary team, promising insightful coverage throughout the tournament, which runs from 11 April to 18 May.
Opening Night at Rawalpindi
PSL 10 kicks off with a star-studded ceremony at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium featuring Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar, and Abrar ul Haq, followed by fireworks and the curtain-raiser clash between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars. The first ball is scheduled for 8:30 PM PST.
Franchise Commitment: The Backbone of PSL
The success of PSL is rooted in the vision and resilience of its six franchises. Their focus on player development, supported by international stars, has turned the league into a competitive and commercially successful venture.
Multan Sultans: A Decade’s Standout Story
Multan Sultans, the last franchise to join the league, have the highest win percentage (59.09%), won their maiden title in 2021, and finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons. Their 2025 theme — Four Seasons, Four Finals, One Team — reflects their consistency and hunger to reclaim the title.
Team Rundown
Islamabad United: The league’s most decorated side with three titles. A balanced, explosive squad makes them title contenders yet again.
Quetta Gladiators: Former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed steps into a Team Director role after leading since the league's inception. His experience could revitalise a side that has struggled in recent editions.
Peshawar Zalmi: A powerful top order featuring a fit-again Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. While their batting looks strong, the bowling unit remains a concern.
Lahore Qalandars: Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will aim to rediscover his rhythm, while Fakhar Zaman’s fitness and form will be crucial to providing aggressive starts.
Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans: Both boast deep squads with exciting new faces and strong local cores.
Star Power: International Players Shine Bright
This year’s draft, held on 11 January in Lahore, brought in fresh faces and world-class players. Notable newcomers include:
David Warner (Australia)
Michael Bracewell, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Adam Milne (New Zealand)
Andries Gous (USA)
A strong contingent from England, South Africa, Afghanistan, and beyond
PSL 10: Trophy, Spectacle & Symbolism
The trophy for PSL 10 — named Luminar for its brilliance — was unveiled in a dramatic underwater ceremony in Karachi’s Arabian Sea by a world-renowned diver. PCB COO Salman Naseer said:
“The HBL PSL has always been about pushing boundaries — on and off the field. Just as the sea holds mysteries and depth, HBL PSL is a reservoir of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship.”
Fan Fatigue & the Hope for Redemption
This season begins under a cloud of fan disappointment following Pakistan’s poor tour of New Zealand. Low ticket sales reflect public disillusionment. But as Mohammad Rizwan said at the captains’ press conference in Rawalpindi: “We understand the fans’ anger — it’s justified. We’re accountable to the PCB chairman. But PSL is something the entire country waits for. Every family supports different teams. Once the cricket starts, the love will return.”
Reform for the National Cause
To better prepare Pakistan’s white-ball squad for international challenges, suggestions are being made to innovate within the PSL framework itself. A bonus point system could incentivise aggressive cricket:
+0.25 points for fewer dot balls
+0.25 for more boundaries/sixes
+0.25 for fewer no-balls and wides
+0.25 for winning the Powerplay (first 6 overs)
Such tweaks could help address persistent issues like conservative play and promote a fearless T20 mindset.
PSL’s Expanding Ecosystem
Beyond the matches, PSL has created a dynamic ecosystem of fans, athletes, media professionals, and administrators. It continues to be a launching pad for future national players, with several youngsters set to make their mark this season.
Foreign Players in PSL 10:
Islamabad United: AUS – Matthew Short, Riley Meredith, Ben Dwarhuis; NZ – Colin Munro; SA – Rassie van der Dussen; USA – Andries Gous; WI – Jason Holder
Karachi Kings: AFG – Mohammad Nabi; AUS – David Warner; BAN – Litton Das; ENG – James Vince; NZ – Tim Seifert, Adam Milne, Kane Williamson
Lahore Qalandars: BAN – Rishad Hossain; ENG – Sam Billings, Tom Curran; NAM – David Wiese; SL – Kusal Perera; NZ – Daryl Mitchell; ZIM – Sikandar Raza
Multan Sultans: ENG – David Willey, Chris Jordan; NZ – Michael Bracewell; WI – Gudakesh Motie, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope; IRE – Josh Little
Peshawar Zalmi: AFG – Najibullah Zadran; AUS – Max Bryant, Mitchell Owen; BAN – Nahid Rana; ENG – Tom Kohler-Cadmore; SA – Lizaad Williams; WI – Alzarri Joseph
Quetta Gladiators: NZ – Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson; SA – Rilee Rossouw; SL – Wanindu Hasaranga; WI – Akeal Hosein
