From exile to excellence: How the PSL becomes the beating heart of cricket in Pakistan

Dubai: The curtain has fallen on the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and with it, a monumental chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing history has been written.

Lahore Qalandars clinched their third title, but the real winner was the PSL itself, an event that has captured hearts, revived cricket at home, and redefined Pakistan’s global sporting image.

The PSL X concluded successfully on Sunday, marking a proud milestone in the league’s evolution from a fledgling venture abroad to a full-fledged cricketing spectacle on home soil. Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, hailed the tournament’s smooth execution as a “symbol of a peaceful and resilient Pakistan.”

Naqvi credited the collective effort of Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement, and administrative personnel for their role in ensuring a safe and celebratory atmosphere during the PSL matches. “We bow in gratitude before the Almighty and all those who made this possible,” he said,

Overcoming adversity

The tournament’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Following a security incident near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, PSL 10 faced a major test. Yet, rather than falter, the organisers, players, and fans stood united. “The entire team accepted the challenge and with the blessings of Allah, we turned a crisis into a celebration,” added Naqvi.

More than just a tournament

What began in 2016 as an exiled league played entirely in the UAE has grown into Pakistan’s premier sporting institution. The HBL PSL did not merely survive, it flourished. It became the heartbeat of Pakistan’s cricket economy, contributing up to 50% of PCB’s annual revenue for several years. Even during political upheaval and logistical nightmares, it remained the board’s most dependable financial lifeline.

But PSL’s legacy is more than financial. It restored international cricket to Pakistan, lured foreign players back, and built the foundation for major events like the Asia Cup and the upcoming Champions Trophy. It became a reliable pipeline for nurturing local talent, many of whom are now national stars.

Cultural mainstay

Beyond stadiums and scorecards, the PSL has evolved into a cultural mainstay and commercial juggernaut. In 2025 alone, it hosted 34 thrilling matches, culminating in a dramatic final between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.

While Lahore sealed their third championship and a $500,000 prize, Quetta walked away with more than just the $200,000 runners-up reward.

The legacy of PSL

In its first ten years, the PSL has become more than just a cricket league. It is a story of resilience, ambition, and revival, a vehicle for national pride and global re-engagement. It proved that Pakistan could not only host major sports events, but do so with flair, fervor, and flawless execution.

As the league enters its second decade, one thing is clear that the PSL is no longer just a seasonal tournament. It is the soul of modern Pakistani cricket, commercially vibrant, globally respected, and nationally unifying.