The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has brought cricket fans some of the most exciting and memorable moments over the years. Each season has delivered unforgettable matches, emerging players, and thrilling finales. From Islamabad United lifting the inaugural trophy in 2016 to Lahore Qalandars making history with back-to-back titles, every PSL season has left its mark. Let’s take a closer look at the teams, players, and moments that have shaped the league’s story.
PSL Champions List: A Complete History
Year | Champion | Runner-up | Key Moments & Milestones | Venue | Notable Performances |
2016 | Islamabad United | Quetta Gladiators | Inaugural PSL Season; Islamabad United won the first-ever PSL title. | Dubai | Dwayne Smith’s match-winning knock (73 off 51) |
2017 | Peshawar Zalmi | Quetta Gladiators | Final moved to Lahore despite security concerns, boosting cricket’s return to Pakistan. | Lahore | Darren Sammy led Peshawar to victory; Kamran Akmal was top scorer |
2018 | Islamabad United | Peshawar Zalmi | Second title for Islamabad United; emergence of young talent. | Karachi | Luke Ronchi’s explosive 52 off 26 balls in the final |
2019 | Quetta Gladiators | Peshawar Zalmi | Quetta’s first PSL title after reaching two finals. | Karachi | Shane Watson: Player of the tournament. Mohammad Hasnain’s three-wicket haul |
2020 | Karachi Kings | Lahore Qalandars | First-ever final between Karachi and Lahore; Karachi’s maiden title. | Karachi | Babar Azam’s unbeaten 63* in the final |
2021 | Multan Sultans | Peshawar Zalmi | Multan Sultans won their first PSL title after entering PSL in 2018. | Abu Dhabi | Sohaib Maqsood’s 65* in the final |
2022 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans | Lahore’s maiden PSL title; first team to win at home ground (Gaddafi Stadium). | Lahore | Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy, Fakhar Zaman’s tournament-high 588 runs |
2023 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans | First team to defend PSL title back-to-back. | Lahore | Shaheen Afridi’s all-round performance (44* & 4 wickets) |
2024 | Islamabad United | Multan Sultan | First Team to win 3 PSL Title | Karachi | Imad Wasim’s 5 wicket Haul in the Final |
PSL Season 1 (2016) Champion: Islamabad United
Islamabad United became the inaugural champions of PSL in 2016. The final match was held at Dubai because there was a ban on cricket in Pakistan. Islamabad came up against Quetta Gladiators in the finals and beat them by 6 wickets. Dwayne Smith led the charge with a delicate knock of 73 off 51 balls against Islamabad. Brad Haddin scored 61 runs on just 39 balls. In the bowling, Islamabad’s Muhammad Irfan and Andre Russell took two and three wickets respectively. This was the start of the PSL’s journey.
PSL Season 2 (2017) Champion: Peshawar Zalmi
PSL witnessed Peshawar Zalmi as the top team who came up as champions in 2017. They won the final in Lahore which was still under curfew since the final was shifted there. Zalmi beat Gladiators by 58 runs in the final. The moment boosted the reinstatement of cricket in Pakistan after taking a huge dip. The iconic Darren Sammy led the group to victory with 11 balls 28 runs. Kamran Akmal scored 40 runs for his team. In the bowling, Mohammad Asghar took 3/16. Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz took 2 wickets each.
PSL Season 3 (2018) Champion: Islamabad United
In 2018, it was the turn of the capital city to see a title being lifted. For the second time in the league Islamabad United won the trophy and beat Peshawar Zalmi in the finals by three wickets. This time, the finals took place in Karachi. Luke Ronchi was the one with a phenomenal score. He scored an aggressive 52 but the icing on the cake was his strike rate of 200. Sahibzada Farhan scored 44 runs. In the bowling unit, Shadab Khan took three wickets. Hussain Talat and Samit Patel took 2 wickets each to bring the title home.
PSL Season 4 (2019) Champion: Quetta Gladiators
Quetta Gladiators were crowned PSL champions for the first time in 2019 after beating Peshawar Zalmi in the finals at Karachi. Gladiators won the final by 8 wickets margin. Shane Watson won Player of the Tournament award, and the team’s victory was bolstered by Mohammad Hasnain’s impressive three-wicket haul. Dwayne Bravo took 2 wickets. In the batting unit, Ahmed Shehzad scored 58 runs and Rilee Rossouw made 39 runs to bring the victory to Quetta’s team.
PSL Season 5 (2020) Champion: Karachi Kings
In 2020, Karachi Kings earned their first PSL title after defeating Lahore Qalandars as they emerged champions for the first time. Karachi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars by 5 wickets. The match which took place in Karachi also saw Babar Azam scoring 63* which led the team to victory. It was first time when two of big cities played the final. Umaid Asif, Waqas Maqsood, and Arshad Iqbal took 2 wickets each to crown Karachi Kings champions of the season.
PSL Season 6 (2021) Champion: Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans beat Peshawar Zalmi in the finals at Abu Dhabi to earn their first PSL tite in 2021. Multan won the final by a margin of 47 runs. Muhammad Rizwan led the charge to the title victory. Sohaib Maqsood’s fantastic knock of 65* led Multan to secure their first championship victory. Rilee Rossouw scored 50 runs on 21 balls. Imran Tahir became the top wicket taker in the final with three wickets. Imran Khan and Blessing Muzarabani took 2 wickets each.
PSL Season 7 (2022) Champion: Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars clinched their first PSL title in 2022 making them the newest champions. This final took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore where home team beat Multan by 42 runs. Notable performances included Shaheen Afridi’s inspired captaincy and Fakhar Zaman with his 588 runs in the tournament. In the final, Hafeez scored a fifty and took 2 wickets. Harry Brooke and David Wiese scored 41 and 28 runs respectively. Shaheen took three wickets in the game and Zaman Khan picked up two in his spell.
PSL Season 8 (2023) Champion: Lahore Qalandars
In 2023, the Lahore Qalandars extended their reign in the PSL, being the first franchise to win back-to-back titles. In the season finale that took place in Lahore, Shaheen Afridi’s all round contribution of 44* runs and four wickets helped seal the title against Multan Sultans. Lahore beat Multan in a close game by just one run. Abdullah Shafique scored the most runs for the team with 65 runs to his name. Rashid Khan took 2 wickets in the final. Zaman Khan bowled the iconic last over where he defended 13 runs to make his team champion.
PSL Season 9 (2024) Champion: Islamabad United
The Islamabad United won their third title for the 2024 PSL final after defeating Multan Sultans. Islamabad beat Multan by a margin of 2 wickets. The final which was held in Karachi had memorable moments, including Imad Wasim’s five-wicket haul in the final that led the United to a historic third championship. The other notable bowling performance was Shadab’s three wickets. In the batting, Martin Guptill scored a fifty and Azam Khan scored 30 runs.
Memorable PSL Finals
Finals of any tournament are always memorable. But, these two finals will always be remembered in the history of PSL for many years to come.
PSL Final [2023]: A Thrilling Contest
The 2023 PSL final was one for the books. Lahore Qalandars defended their title, making history by becoming the first team to win back-to-back PSL championships. The match, held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 18, 2023, was a thrilling contest that captured the excitement of fans everywhere. Lahore Qalandars, led by Shaheen Afridi, faced Multan Sultans in the final and won the game by just one run. Lahore’s resilience and experience stood out in the crucial moments. Multan gave Lahore a tough challenge but lose the momentum at the end thanks to splendid last over by Zaman Khan.
Shaheen Afridi played a major role, leading his team with both bat and ball. His all-round performance scoring 44* runs and taking 4 wickets in the final proved to be the game changer. His efforts inspired his team and helped seal the victory. Fakhar Zaman also played a key role throughout the tournament, scoring 429, the most runs for Lahore.
The match was a nail-biter. Multan Sultans fought hard but couldn’t chase down the target. Lahore’s victory proved their ability to perform under pressure. Lahore Qalandars’ back-to-back wins added to their growing legacy in the PSL. This victory marked another chapter in their quest to dominate the league.
The 2023 final solidified Lahore Qalandars as a team of champions. It was a fitting end to a thrilling PSL season. The team’s leadership, key performances, and unwavering determination made this final unforgettable. Lahore remained at the bottom for the most PSl seasons but returned with two titles in a row.
PSL Final (2016): A Start to Remember
This match was memorable because it was the first one in PSL history. Islamabad United became champion by beating Quetta Gladiators in the final. The 2016 PSL final was historic. It marked the first-ever PSL championship. Held on February 23, 2016, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the match had a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. Islamabad United faced Quetta Gladiators, with both teams determined to make history.
Islamabad United, captained by Misbah-ul-Haq, clinched the title. Their win set a high standard for future PSL tournaments. Quetta Gladiators, though strong, fell short of victory. Dwayne Smith’s performance was key. He scored 73 runs off 51 balls, anchoring Islamabad’s innings. His knock provided the perfect foundation for the win. His composure in the final moments was crucial.
Ravi Bopara was the top performer of the tournament, scoring 329 runs. While he didn’t shine in the final, his consistency helped Islamabad throughout the season. Andre Russell, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets, had a solid impact but wasn’t prominent in the final.
Islamabad’s victory was monumental. They became the first team to win a PSL title, and later secured titles in 2018 and 2024. Their achievement solidified them as one of the most successful teams in PSL history. This final was unforgettable. It set the tone for the tournament’s future, filled with intense moments and unforgettable performances.
Key Moments in PSL Championship History
First-Ever PSL Champion
Category | Details |
Champion Team | Islamabad United |
Runner-up | Quetta Gladiators |
Final Match Date | February 23, 2016 |
Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE |
Significance | First-ever PSL champion, setting a benchmark for future tournaments |
Captain | Misbah-ul-Haq |
Man of the Match (Final) | Dwayne Smith (73 off 51 balls) |
Top Performer | Ravi Bopara (Most runs in the tournament – 329) |
Most Wickets (Tournament) | Andre Russell (16 wickets) |
Key Milestone | Islamabad United became the first PSL team to win three PSL titles (2016, 2018, 2024) |
Islamabad United’s victory in the 2016 PSL final is a milestone that will always be remembered. On February 23, 2016, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, they became the first-ever champions of the Pakistan Super League. This victory set a high bar for all future teams, establishing Islamabad United as the standard-bearers of the league’s potential.
Under the leadership of Misbah-ul-Haq, Islamabad United showed resilience and skill in the inaugural final. The team’s success was pivotal for the PSL, as it marked the beginning of a new chapter for Pakistani cricket. In the final, Dwayne Smith delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 73 runs off 51 balls. His innings was a perfect mix of aggression and control, anchoring Islamabad’s innings and leading them to victory.
Throughout the tournament, Ravi Bopara stood out as the top scorer, amassing 329 runs, while Andre Russell’s devastating bowling earned him 16 wickets, making him the top wicket-taker. These performances helped set the stage for the exciting seasons that followed.
Islamabad United’s triumph was not just about winning a single trophy. It was a statement that the PSL had arrived, and Islamabad had set the tone for the future. They went on to make history by becoming the first team to win three PSL titles, with additional victories in 2018 and 2024. This success cemented their place in PSL lore and proved their consistency over the years.
Most Successful PSL Franchise
Year | Winner | Opponent | Venue | Man of the Match | Key Players & Contributions |
2016 | Islamabad United | Quetta Gladiators | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | Dwayne Smith | Scored 73 off 51 balls; Misbah-ul-Haq’s leadership |
2018 | Islamabad United | Peshawar Zalmi | National Stadium, Karachi | Luke Ronchi | 52 off 26 balls; key partnerships with Sahibzada Farhan |
2024 | Islamabad United | Multan Sultans | National Stadium, Karachi | Imad Wasim | Shadab Khan’s captaincy; emerging talent performances |
Islamabad United made history by winning their third PSL title in 2024, the most by any team. With three PSL titles to their name (2016, 2018, and 2024), they have proven their dominance over the years. Their consistent performance has set them apart from other teams, making them a symbol of excellence in the tournament. Islamabad proved that you can win by playing attacking cricket on the field. They attack on the opposition bowlers from the first go and win all three trophies with this strategy.
Back-to-Back Champions
Year | Winner | Opponent | Man of the Match | Highest Final Score | Closest Finish (Winning Margin) | Key Contributions |
2022 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans | Mohammad Hafeez | 180/5 (Multan) | 42 runs | Hafeez 69 (46), Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy |
2023 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans | Shaheen Afridi | 200/6 (Lahore) | 1 run | Shaheen (44* & 4 wickets), Fakhar Zaman 39 (34) |
Lahore Qalandars won their first-ever PSL title in front of their home crowd at Gaddafi Stadium. Shaheen Afridi’s leadership and Fakhar Zaman’s tournament-high 588 runs made their win especially memorable. Lahore Qalandars made history by becoming the first team to successfully defend their PSL title. Shaheen Afridi’s all-round performance in the final, with 44* and 4 wickets, cemented Lahore’s dominance in the league.
PSL Final Winner List
Year | Winner | Runner-up | Venue | Margin of Victory | Man of the Match |
2016 | Islamabad United | Quetta Gladiators | Dubai International Stadium | 6 wickets | Dwayne Smith (73 off 51) |
2017 | Peshawar Zalmi | Quetta Gladiators | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 58 runs | Darren Sammy (28* off 11) |
2018 | Islamabad United | Peshawar Zalmi | National Stadium, Karachi | 3 wickets | Luke Ronchi (52 off 26) |
2019 | Quetta Gladiators | Peshawar Zalmi | National Stadium, Karachi | 8 wickets | Mohammad Hasnain (3/30) |
2020 | Karachi Kings | Lahore Qalandars | National Stadium, Karachi | 5 wickets | Babar Azam (63* off 49) |
2021 | Multan Sultans | Peshawar Zalmi | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 47 runs | Sohaib Maqsood (65* off 35) |
2022 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 42 runs | Mohammad Hafeez (69 off 46) |
2023 | Lahore Qalandars | Multan Sultans | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 1 run | Shaheen Afridi (44* & 4 Wickets |
2024 | Islamabad United | Multan Sultans | National Stadium, Karachi | 2 wickets | Imad Wasim 5 Wickets |
Statistics and Records of PSL Champions
Team | Titles Won | Finals Played | Win % in Finals | Highest Final Score | Lowest Final Score | Largest Win Margin (Runs) | Smallest Win Margin | Most Successful Captain |
Islamabad United | 3 (2016, 2018, 2024) | 3 | 100% | 175/4 (2016) | 154/7 (2018) | 8 wickets (2018) | 2 wickets(2024) | Misbah-ul-Haq (2 titles), Shadab Khan (1 title) |
Lahore Qalandars | 2 (2022, 2023) | 2 | 67% | 200/6 (2023) | 134/7 (2020) | 42 runs (2022) | 1 run (2023) | Shaheen Afridi (2 titles) |
Peshawar Zalmi | 1 (2017) | 4 | 25% | 159/6 (2021) | 138/9 (2019) | 58 runs (2017) | 3 wickets (2018) | Darren Sammy (1 title) |
Quetta Gladiators | 1 (2019) | 3 | 33% | 174/7 (2016) | 90/10 (2017) | 8 wickets (2019) | – | Sarfaraz Ahmed (1 title) |
Multan Sultans | 1 (2021) | 4 | 25% | 206/4 (2021) | 138/10 (2023) | 47 runs (2021) | 1 run (2023 – lost) | Mohammad Rizwan (1 title) |
Karachi Kings | 1 (2020) | 1 | 100% | 135/5 (2020) | 135/5 (2020) | 5 wickets (2020) | – | Imad Wasim (1 title) |
Islamabad United is the most successful PSL team, having won three titles in 2016, 2018, and 2024. They have a perfect 100% win rate in finals, having played three and won all three. Their highest final score was 175/4 in 2016, and their smallest win margin was just 2 wickets in 2024. Misbah-ul-Haq led them to two titles, while Shadab Khan captained them to their latest win.
Lahore Qalandars have won two titles, in 2022 and 2023. They have a 67% win rate in finals, with Shaheen Afridi as their successful captain for both victories. Their highest final score was 200/6 in 2023, and their smallest win margin was just 1 run in 2023, showcasing their thrilling final moments.
Peshawar Zalmi, despite playing in four finals, has won only once, in 2017. They have a 25% win rate in finals. Their largest win margin came in 2017, a solid 58-run victory, and Darren Sammy captained them to their lone title.
Quetta Gladiators secured one title in 2019, winning 33% of their finals. Their highest final score was 174/7 in 2016, and they defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 8 wickets in 2019 to claim the trophy under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy.
Multan Sultans won their first title in 2021 but have a 25% win rate, having lost their 2023 final by just 1 run. Their highest score in a final was 206/4 in 2021, and Mohammad Rizwan led them to their maiden victory.
Karachi Kings have only reached one final, in 2020, and won it. Their 100% win rate in finals came with a score of 135/5, securing their first-ever title under captain Imad Wasim.
Most Frequent Champions
Rank | Team | Titles Won | Winning Years | Finals Played |
1️ | Islamabad United | 3 | 2016, 2018, 2024 | 3 |
2️ | Lahore Qalandars | 2 | 2022, 2023 | 2 |
3️ | Peshawar Zalmi | 1 | 2017 | 4 |
4️ | Quetta Gladiators | 1 | 2019 | 3 |
5️ | Multan Sultans | 1 | 2021 | 4 |
6️ | Karachi Kings | 1 | 2020 | 1 |
Top Players of Winning Teams
Year | Champion Team | Top Run-Scorer (Team) | Runs | Top Wicket-Taker (Team) | Wickets | Man of the Match (Final) |
2016 | Islamabad United | Sharjeel Khan | 299 | Andre Russell | 16 | Dwayne Smith (73 off 51) |
2017 | Peshawar Zalmi | Kamran Akmal | 353 | Wahab Riaz | 15 | Darren Sammy (28* off 11) |
2018 | Islamabad United | Luke Ronchi | 435 | Faheem Ashraf | 18 | Luke Ronchi (52 off 26) |
2019 | Quetta Gladiators | Shane Watson | 430 | Sohail Tanvir | 15 | Mohammad Hasnain (3/30) |
2020 | Karachi Kings | Babar Azam | 473 | Mohammad Amir | 10 | Babar Azam (63* off 49) |
2021 | Multan Sultans | Mohammad Rizwan | 500 | Shahnawaz Dahani | 20 | Sohaib Maqsood (65* off 35) |
2022 | Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman | 588 | Shaheen Afridi | 20 | Mohammad Hafeez (69 off 46) |
2023 | Lahore Qalandars | Fakhar Zaman | 429 | Rashid Khan | 20 | Shaheen Afridi (44* & 4 wickets) |
2024 | Islamabad United | Colin Munro | 326 | Naseem Shah | 15 | Imad Wasim (5 Wickets) |
In the 2016 PSL final, Islamabad United claimed the inaugural championship, defeating Quetta Gladiators. Sharjeel Khan was their top scorer with 299 runs during the tournament, and Andre Russell led the bowling attack with 16 wickets. Dwayne Smith’s match-winning knock of 73 off 51 balls in the final, along with Misbah-ul-Haq’s leadership, helped secure the victory.
In 2017, Peshawar Zalmi triumphed over Quetta Gladiators to win their first title. Kamran Akmal was the team’s top run-scorer, amassing 353 runs, while Wahab Riaz took 15 wickets. Darren Sammy’s explosive 28 off 11 balls in the final played a pivotal role in Peshawar’s win, showcasing his finishing ability.
Islamabad United won their second title in 2018, beating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. Luke Ronchi’s stunning 435 runs during the tournament made him the top scorer, while Faheem Ashraf’s 18 wickets helped in their successful campaign. Ronchi’s explosive 52 off 26 balls in the final sealed the victory, earning him the Man of the Match award.
In 2019, Quetta Gladiators secured their first PSL title by defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. Shane Watson’s 430 runs were crucial for Quetta’s success, and Sohail Tanvir’s 15 wickets added depth to their bowling attack. Mohammad Hasnain’s 3/30 in the final helped them clinch the title with a strong performance.
Karachi Kings won their maiden title in 2020, overcoming Lahore Qalandars in the final. Babar Azam’s brilliant 473 runs during the tournament made him the top scorer, while Mohammad Amir’s 10 wickets were vital for the team. Babar’s composed 63 off 49 balls in the final was key to Karachi’s victory, earning him the Man of the Match award.
Multan Sultans, in 2021, claimed their first PSL title with Mohammad Rizwan’s 500 runs leading the charge. Shahnawaz Dahani’s 20 wickets were instrumental in their campaign. Sohaib Maqsood’s match-winning 65 off 35 balls in the final secured their victory, making it a memorable title win for the team.
Lahore Qalandars won their first title in 2022, with Fakhar Zaman’s remarkable 588 runs as the tournament’s top scorer. Shaheen Afridi’s 20 wickets proved crucial in the team’s success. In the final, Mohammad Hafeez’s 69 off 46 balls helped Lahore seal their historic win.
In 2023, Lahore Qalandars successfully defended their title, defeating Multan Sultans in the final. Fakhar Zaman’s 429 runs and Rashid Khan’s 20 wickets were key to their success. Shaheen Afridi’s all-round brilliance, scoring 44 and taking 4 wickets, earned him the Man of the Match and led Lahore to back-to-back titles.
Islamabad United claimed their third PSL title in 2024, defeating Multan Sultans in the final. Colin Munro’s 326 runs made him the team’s top scorer, and Naseem Shah’s 15 wickets were instrumental throughout the tournament. Imad Wasim’s stunning five-wicket haul in the final sealed the victory, making it another historic win for Islamabad.
Impact of PSL Championships
Career Highlights and Wins
Winning a PSL championship has a profound effect on both players and clubs. For players, it boosts confidence and solidifies their reputation on the global stage. A title win can elevate their career, attract endorsements, and even earn them spots in international teams. Players like Luke Ronchi, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi have seen their profiles soar after key performances in finals. Both Babar and Shaheen took the captaincy of Pakistan’s national T20 team. Similarly, Shadab Khan and Muhammad Rizwan also earned their way to lead the Pakistan team by winning PSL trophies.
Impact to the Club
For the club, winning a PSL title enhances their legacy and strengthens their brand. It increases fan loyalty, attracts sponsorships, and can improve the overall team morale. Clubs like Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars have built strong fanbases thanks to their successful campaigns. Winning not only brings glory but also fosters a winning culture, motivating players to perform even better in future seasons.
PSL franchises work on the grass root levels to bring the young talent to lime liht. Lahore Qalandars’ player development program gave Pakistan some super stars in the shape of Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Jahandad Khan. Similarly, Karachi and Peshawar also began their own such programs to highlight players from their regions.
FAQs
1. Which team has won the most PSL titles?
Islamabad United has won the most PSL titles, securing three championships in 2016, 2018, and 2024.
2. Which was the most thrilling PSL final?
The 2023 PSL final between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans was the most thrilling, with Lahore winning by just one run, marking an exciting finish.
3. Who won the first-ever PSL title?
Islamabad United became the inaugural PSL champions in 2016, defeating Quetta Gladiators in the final.
4. Which player has made the most significant impact in PSL finals?
Shaheen Afridi has been a standout performer in PSL finals, contributing with both bat and ball, especially in 2023.
5. What is the significance of winning a PSL championship for a player?
Winning a PSL title boosts a player’s career, raising their profile globally, attracting endorsements, and securing spots in national teams.
6. How does a PSL title impact a franchise?
A PSL title enhances a club’s legacy, increases fan loyalty, attracts sponsorships, and fosters a winning culture within the team.