PSL Champion: Iconic Moments and Legendary Wins

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

YearChampionRunner-upKey Moments & MilestonesVenueNotable Performances
2016Islamabad UnitedQuetta GladiatorsInaugural PSL Season; Islamabad United won the first-ever PSL title.DubaiDwayne Smith’s match-winning knock (73 off 51)
2017Peshawar ZalmiQuetta GladiatorsFinal moved to Lahore despite security concerns, boosting cricket’s return to Pakistan.LahoreDarren Sammy led Peshawar to victory; Kamran Akmal was top scorer
2018Islamabad UnitedPeshawar ZalmiSecond title for Islamabad United; emergence of young talent.KarachiLuke Ronchi’s explosive 52 off 26 balls in the final
2019Quetta GladiatorsPeshawar ZalmiQuetta’s first PSL title after reaching two finals.KarachiShane Watson: Player of the tournament. Mohammad Hasnain’s three-wicket haul
2020Karachi KingsLahore QalandarsFirst-ever final between Karachi and Lahore; Karachi’s maiden title.KarachiBabar Azam’s unbeaten 63* in the final
2021Multan SultansPeshawar ZalmiMultan Sultans won their first PSL title after entering PSL in 2018.Abu DhabiSohaib Maqsood’s 65* in the final
2022Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansLahore’s maiden PSL title; first team to win at home ground (Gaddafi Stadium).LahoreShaheen Afridi’s captaincy, Fakhar Zaman’s tournament-high 588 runs
2023Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansFirst team to defend PSL title back-to-back.LahoreShaheen Afridi’s all-round performance (44* & 4 wickets)
2024Islamabad UnitedMultan SultanFirst Team to win 3 PSL TitleKarachiImad 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 

CategoryDetails
Champion TeamIslamabad United
Runner-upQuetta Gladiators
Final Match DateFebruary 23, 2016
VenueDubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
SignificanceFirst-ever PSL champion, setting a benchmark for future tournaments
CaptainMisbah-ul-Haq
Man of the Match (Final)Dwayne Smith (73 off 51 balls)
Top PerformerRavi Bopara (Most runs in the tournament – 329)
Most Wickets (Tournament)Andre Russell (16 wickets)
Key MilestoneIslamabad 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 

YearWinnerOpponentVenueMan of the MatchKey Players & Contributions
2016Islamabad UnitedQuetta GladiatorsDubai International Cricket StadiumDwayne SmithScored 73 off 51 balls; Misbah-ul-Haq’s leadership
2018Islamabad UnitedPeshawar ZalmiNational Stadium, KarachiLuke Ronchi52 off 26 balls; key partnerships with Sahibzada Farhan
2024Islamabad UnitedMultan SultansNational Stadium, KarachiImad WasimShadab 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

YearWinnerOpponentMan of the MatchHighest Final ScoreClosest Finish (Winning Margin)Key Contributions
2022Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansMohammad Hafeez180/5 (Multan)42 runsHafeez 69 (46), Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy
2023Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansShaheen Afridi200/6 (Lahore)1 runShaheen (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

YearWinnerRunner-upVenueMargin of VictoryMan of the Match
2016Islamabad UnitedQuetta GladiatorsDubai International Stadium6 wicketsDwayne Smith (73 off 51)
2017Peshawar ZalmiQuetta GladiatorsGaddafi Stadium, Lahore58 runsDarren Sammy (28* off 11)
2018Islamabad UnitedPeshawar ZalmiNational Stadium, Karachi3 wicketsLuke Ronchi (52 off 26)
2019Quetta GladiatorsPeshawar ZalmiNational Stadium, Karachi8 wicketsMohammad Hasnain (3/30)
2020Karachi KingsLahore QalandarsNational Stadium, Karachi5 wicketsBabar Azam (63* off 49)
2021Multan SultansPeshawar ZalmiSheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi47 runsSohaib Maqsood (65* off 35)
2022Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansGaddafi Stadium, Lahore42 runsMohammad Hafeez (69 off 46)
2023Lahore QalandarsMultan SultansGaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 runShaheen Afridi (44* & 4 Wickets
2024Islamabad UnitedMultan SultansNational Stadium, Karachi2 wicketsImad Wasim 5 Wickets

Statistics and Records of PSL Champions 

TeamTitles WonFinals PlayedWin % in FinalsHighest Final ScoreLowest Final ScoreLargest Win Margin (Runs)Smallest Win MarginMost Successful Captain
Islamabad United3 (2016, 2018, 2024)3100%175/4 (2016)154/7 (2018)8 wickets (2018)2 wickets(2024)Misbah-ul-Haq (2 titles), Shadab Khan (1 title)
Lahore Qalandars2 (2022, 2023)267%200/6 (2023)134/7 (2020)42 runs (2022)1 run (2023)Shaheen Afridi (2 titles)
Peshawar Zalmi1 (2017)425%159/6 (2021)138/9 (2019)58 runs (2017)3 wickets (2018)Darren Sammy (1 title)
Quetta Gladiators1 (2019)333%174/7 (2016)90/10 (2017)8 wickets (2019)Sarfaraz Ahmed (1 title)
Multan Sultans1 (2021)425%206/4 (2021)138/10 (2023)47 runs (2021)1 run (2023 – lost)Mohammad Rizwan (1 title)
Karachi Kings1 (2020)1100%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 

RankTeamTitles WonWinning YearsFinals Played
1️Islamabad United32016, 2018, 20243
2️Lahore Qalandars22022, 20232
3️Peshawar Zalmi120174
4️Quetta Gladiators120193
5️Multan Sultans120214
6️Karachi Kings120201

Top Players of Winning Teams 

YearChampion TeamTop Run-Scorer (Team)RunsTop Wicket-Taker (Team)WicketsMan of the Match (Final)
2016Islamabad UnitedSharjeel Khan299Andre Russell16Dwayne Smith (73 off 51)
2017Peshawar ZalmiKamran Akmal353Wahab Riaz15Darren Sammy (28* off 11)
2018Islamabad UnitedLuke Ronchi435Faheem Ashraf18Luke Ronchi (52 off 26)
2019Quetta GladiatorsShane Watson430Sohail Tanvir15Mohammad Hasnain (3/30)
2020Karachi KingsBabar Azam473Mohammad Amir10Babar Azam (63* off 49)
2021Multan SultansMohammad Rizwan500Shahnawaz Dahani20Sohaib Maqsood (65* off 35)
2022Lahore QalandarsFakhar Zaman588Shaheen Afridi20Mohammad Hafeez (69 off 46)
2023Lahore QalandarsFakhar Zaman429Rashid Khan20Shaheen Afridi (44* & 4 wickets)
2024Islamabad UnitedColin Munro326Naseem Shah15Imad 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.

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