The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 is an impressive tournament that brings top talent from across the globe to Pakistan’s shores. Over its history, this competition has showcased stunning performances by both local and foreign players alike.
The 9th season of Pakistan Premier League kicks off from 17 February to 27 February with 14 matches across Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi before moving onto Karachi.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United are one of the most celebrated teams in Pakistan Super League history, winning both titles (2016 and 2018) with ease and amassing an impressive record.
Misbah-ul-Haq’s side began the 2024 season on an unfavorable note by losing their first eliminator match against Peshawar Zalmi in an eliminator match, yet went on to improve greatly throughout group stages and reach first place overall on the table.
United defeated fourth-placed Karachi Kings by nine wickets thanks to Mohammad Sami’s man-of-the-match performance and Dwayne Smith and Brad Haddin both scoring fifties to help United reach their target of 111 runs in 15 overs.
The squad remained unchanged from last season, adding newcomers such as Steven Finn, Nicholas Pooran, Shadab Khan and Ben Duckett. Furthermore, Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah had also joined before participating in the Pakistan Super League draft.
Lahore Qalandars
Cricket is more than a sport; it represents identity and passion for millions of Pakistanis, including Lahore’s Qalandars who represent its aspirations and pride.
Rana Brothers-owned franchise has shown their penchant for record-low totals by already setting three out of the four lowest totals in both UAE and Pakistan. Most recently, they were bowled out for just 59 in Dubai and 76 in Sharjah this week – both marks represent record low totals.
Babar Azam has led his Qalandars side’s run-scoring charts since the league’s inaugural season, while Fakhar Zaman has been an impressive performer, topping this list with around 600 runs scored since early 2017. Other top order players such as AB de Villiers and Brendon McCullum round off this lineup.
Multan Sultans
The Multan Sultans are a professional Twenty20 cricket team located in Multan, Pakistan that compete in the Pakistan Super League. Established as part of this league in 2017 as its sixth team and signed an eight-season contract worth $41.6 million when established, the franchise currently competes as part of it.
At the 2022 edition of PSL, their team set an incredible run chase record. Babar Azam and Saim Ayub scored respectively 73 and 58 runs to help their team put up 242 for 6 in their innings.
Multan Sultans emerged victorious by two wickets at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore where its pitch tends to favor teams who bat first. Imad Wasim earned Man of the Match honors with five wickets while Naseem Shah contributed late with 17 off nine balls for Multan. The match took place on a pitch that has traditionally favoured those batting first – something Multan did well despite losing two early wickets due to late runs by their opponents – that Gaddafi Stadium track has always had in their favor; winning by 2 wickets from Multan had them up from 4 down for Multan won by 2 wickets over Lahore by 2 wickets after being sent down one wicket against Multan after having won their opening innings advantage at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. The pitch there has always favored teams batting first at this venue due to its favorable conditions favouring teams batting first overs their opponent’s.
Peshawar Zalmi
PSL (Pakistan Super League) is Pakistan’s premier Twenty20 tournament featuring stars from around the globe. Babar Azam, AB de Villiers, Shane Watson, Brendon McCullum and Andre Russell have represented Peshawar Zalmi in past seasons.
Islamabad United have reached the final three times out of eight tournament seasons, winning two titles during this timeframe.
Zalmi will meet Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore for an exciting match on February 15th. They have met each other 21 times so far, with 10 wins each being split evenly in head-to-head record. The winner of Qualifier 1 will advance directly to Eliminator 2, while those defeated can play in Eliminator 2 match instead. Haier Pakistan and Zalmi Foundation have joined forces to assist local communities affected by coronavirus pandemic. They have already distributed food rations as part of Haier Pakistan/Zalmi Foundation project.
Quetta Gladiators
The Quetta Gladiators (Urdu:, Balochi:) is a Pakistan Super League franchise located in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. Owned by Nadeem Omar and depicting an image reminiscent of Roman gladiatorial helmets called Galea worn during fights as its logo, two bats pose like swords flanking it are flanked by bats that represent swords poised like gladiatorial swords are placed behind two gladiator masks on either side as potential swords!
The Gladiators won both of the inaugural seasons of Pakistan Super League. With an impressive roster that includes Kevin Pietersen, Kumar Sangakkara, Ahmed Shehzad and Rilee Rossouw on their side.
The Gladiators boast a powerful batting line-up led by Rossouw. However, their bowling department lacks depth. Mohammad Nawaz, Wanindu Hasaranga and Muhamnad Amir play key roles for them and former New Zealand international Grant Elliott lends assistance when needed.