From Five to Powerhouse: How PSL Teams Have Grown Over the Years

Introduction

When the Pakistan Super League (PSL) started in 2016, it had only five teams. No one knew how big it would become. But year by year, the PSL grew into one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world. The teams got better, the players became stars, and fans from all over started to follow the matches closely.

In this article, we’ll look at how each team in the PSL has grown over the years—on and off the field—and how the league went from just five teams to becoming a cricket powerhouse.

The Start: Five Teams, One Dream

When PSL began in 2016, there were only five teams:

      ·       Islamabad United

      ·       Karachi Kings

      ·       Lahore Qalandars

      ·       Peshawar Zalmi

      ·       Quetta Gladiators

These teams were picked to represent big cities in Pakistan. The goal was to give Pakistan its own top-level cricket league like the IPL in India or the Big Bash in Australia.

The matches were first played in the UAE because of security issues in Pakistan. But fans still loved it. Stars from around the world joined, and the quality of cricket was high. People saw this was the beginning of something big.

Islamabad United – The Silent Performers

Islamabad United won the first PSL title in 2016 and again in 2018. They were known for being smart, calm, and well-managed. They didn’t make a lot of noise but always performed well.

Over the years, Islamabad focused on data and planning. Their owners and coaches used modern methods to pick players. They gave chances to young talent like Shadab Khan, who later became their captain.

Their consistent performances and ability to back young players made them a solid team. Even when they didn’t win the title, they often reached the playoffs. They helped build a culture of performance without drama.

Karachi Kings – From Chaos to Champions

Karachi Kings had the biggest fan base from the start, as they represent Pakistan’s largest city. But their performance didn’t match their popularity in the early seasons. The team often had star players but didn’t perform as a unit.

In 2020, things changed. With Babar Azam in top form and Imad Wasim leading, Karachi Kings finally won the PSL title. It was a proud moment for the fans who had waited so long.

However, the team has struggled with consistency. Coaches and players changed often, which made it hard to build a strong system. Still, Karachi Kings remain one of the most talked-about teams in PSL due to their big fan base and star power.

Lahore Qalandars – From Last Place to Champions

Lahore Qalandars had a rough start. For the first four seasons, they finished last every time. Despite having big names like Brendon McCullum and Chris Gayle, they couldn’t win matches. Fans were frustrated, and critics laughed at them.

But Lahore never gave up. They started focusing on local talent and player development. Their talent hunt programs found players like Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi—now superstars.

Under the captaincy of Shaheen Afridi, Lahore finally turned things around. They won their first PSL title in 2022, defended it successfully in 2023, and added a third championship in 2025. Their rise from bottom to top is one of the best stories in PSL history.

Peshawar Zalmi – The Consistent Fighters

Peshawar Zalmi won the title in 2017 and have been one of the most consistent teams in the league. Even when they didn’t win, they often reached the final or playoffs.

Led by Darren Sammy and later Babar Azam, Zalmi focused on building a strong family-like team culture. Their yellow shirts and passionate fans made them a crowd favorite.

They have always backed young players and mixed them with experienced internationals. Players like Hasan Ali and Mohammad Haris got their break with Zalmi. The team is known for fighting till the last ball and never giving up.

Quetta Gladiators – Early Kings, Later Struggles

Quetta Gladiators were one of the best teams in the early seasons. They reached the finals in 2016 and 2017 and finally won the title in 2019. Under the calm leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, they built a strong team with solid local players.

Quetta didn’t always rely on big foreign stars. Instead, they focused on team unity. But after 2019, their performance dropped. Injuries, out-of-form players, and the lack of new talent hurt their chances.

Still, their early success and loyal fan base keep them strong. With better planning, Quetta has the potential to rise again.

Multan Sultans – The New Powerhouse

In 2018, a new team joined the league—Multan Sultans. At first, they didn’t do well and even changed owners. But from 2021 onwards, everything changed.

Under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, Multan became a top team. They won their first title in 2021 and reached the finals in 2022 and 2023.

Multan focused on team balance, strong leadership, and good scouting. Players like Shahnawaz Dahani and Tim David rose through their system. They quickly became one of the most respected teams in the league.

Multan’s success shows how a new team can become a powerhouse with the right planning.

Local Talent – The Heart of PSL’s Growth

Pakistan has a lot of hidden talent. One of the best things about PSL is how it helped discover and develop local Pakistani talent. It gave a platform to players to showcase their talent. Players like:

·       Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)

·       Shadab Khan (Islamabad United)

·       Haris Rauf (Lahore Qalandars)

·       Mohammad Haris (Peshawar Zalmi)

·       Shahnawaz Dahani (Multan Sultans)

All these players were found through PSL or became stars because of it. PSL gave them a stage to perform, learn from international players, and become better.

Before PSL, young Pakistani players didn’t have many chances to play in front of big crowds or on live TV. Now, they play alongside legends and get attention from fans and selectors.

Foreign Players and Global Appeal

In the beginning, some people doubted if foreign players would come to play in the PSL. But big names like Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, and AB de Villiers joined the league. Their presence added quality and gave the league respect.

Later, players like David Miller, Rashid Khan, Alex Hales, and Rilee Rossouw became regulars. Many of them praised PSL for its bowling quality and competitive matches.

This helped PSL gain fans from other countries too. Even cricket lovers outside Pakistan started watching the matches.

Coming Home – PSL in Pakistan

The biggest turning point for PSL was when the matches started returning to Pakistan. Slowly, matches were held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. By 2020, the entire season was played in Pakistan.

Fans filled the stadiums, and the atmosphere was electric. Players felt the passion, and the league truly became a national event. It also helped improve Pakistan’s image in world cricket.

Now, every season of the PSL is held in Pakistan, and fans across the country get to watch their favorite stars live.

Social Media, Branding, and Fan Culture

PSL teams have also grown off the field. Their social media teams create fun videos, memes, and updates to engage fans. Teams like Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi have huge followings on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Each team has a unique identity:

      ·       Lahore Qalandars – Talent hunters and underdog heroes

      ·       Karachi Kings – Glamorous and popular

      ·       Islamabad United – Smart and steady

      ·       Peshawar Zalmi – Passionate and family-oriented

      ·       Quetta Gladiators – Humble warriors

      ·       Multan Sultans – Fast-growing and balanced

These identities help fans connect with teams, even if their city isn’t represented.

The Rivalries That Bring Fire

Rivalries have also made PSL more exciting. Some of the top ones include:

      ·       Lahore Qalandars vs. Karachi Kings – Known as the "El-Clasico" of PSL

      ·       Peshawar Zalmi vs. Quetta Gladiators – Competitive and high-scoring

      ·       Islamabad United vs. Multan Sultans – Tactical battles

These rivalries create thrilling matches and keep fans glued to their screens.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

The PSL still faces some challenges. Weather disruptions, franchise issues, and scheduling problems can hurt the flow of the league. Also, player injuries and availability affect team balance.

But the league keeps learning and improving. With strong support from fans, better planning, and rising talent, the future looks bright.

Some possible next steps include:

      ·       Expanding to more cities (maybe adding a 7th or 8th team)

      ·       Holding matches in new stadiums

      ·       Getting more young players from remote areas

      ·       Making PSL more global through online platforms and foreign players

Conclusion – From Five to Powerhouse

The journey of the Pakistan Super League has been nothing short of amazing. From just five teams in a foreign land to a full-fledged national league with six powerful franchises, the PSL has become one of the top T20 leagues in the world.

Each team has grown in its own way—some through early wins, others through patience and talent development. Together, they’ve made PSL a league full of drama, excitement, and quality cricket.

As the seasons go by, one thing is clear: PSL is not just a cricket league. It is now a symbol of Pakistan’s love for the game, its passion, and its potential.