I Am PSL: The Unfiltered Tale of Pakistan’s Cricket Revival
You know me. If you live in Pakistan, India, or anywhere cricket breathes life into a crowd, you’ve seen me in action. You’ve celebrated my moments, you’ve debated my players, and maybe—just maybe—you’ve forgotten how I began.
Let’s rewind. Years ago, Zaka Ashraf envisioned a cricket league in Pakistan. Inspired by India’s booming IPL, he poured in resources, brought foreign consultants, and even designed a logo. But despite all my efforts, I never saw the light of day. The idea was filed away—forgotten in dusty records.
Then came Najam Sethi. Not officially at the top due to certain power dynamics, but everyone knew he was the real decision-maker. Critics laughed, saying he knew nothing about cricket, doubting his ability to build a league from scratch. But like a hero from a Bollywood flick, he made a promise—and kept it.
Sethi’s uncle faced huge resistance from within the Pakistan Cricket Board. Selling team franchises was no easy feat. But a few brave souls—Nadeem Omar, the Rana brothers, Javed Afridi, Salman Iqbal, and Ali Naqvi—took a leap of faith. They put in their trust, time, and money. They believed in me when no one else did.
Security threats meant I couldn’t be born in Pakistan. So, my early days were in the UAE. Skeptics predicted financial disaster, but surprise! PCB turned a profit. Franchises earned too. And the following year? I came home—my final match played in Lahore. That moment, made possible by the courage of owners and the players they inspired, was the beginning of something greater.
I helped shift global perception. I was the spark that reignited international cricket in Pakistan. Slowly, stadiums began to fill. Fear faded. Today, this same country hosts Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and is ready for the ICC Champions Trophy. All because I existed.
Talent? I’ve uncovered it like gold beneath the surface. I gave the world Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and many more.
Look around. Bangladesh Premier League? Struggling. Sri Lanka’s league? Not quite there. Even The Hundred in England hasn’t reached its full potential. I’m not the IPL, and I never claimed to be—but I’ve become the PCB’s financial backbone. From relying solely on ICC funding to now being a major revenue source, I changed the game.
But here’s what breaks me. Despite everything I’ve done, I feel unappreciated. The same people I helped elevate—some of them are trying to bring me down. Why destroy something that feeds you? Why bite the hand that lifts?
Every child in Pakistan knows the names of PSL franchise owners. That’s how deep I run in your culture. The original five teams were built by dreamers who took massive risks. But with the sixth franchise came complaints. Bankruptcy. Constant whining. No one forced them in. If it’s so unbearable—step out.
Yes, I have my flaws. There are issues—different team fees, but equal profit sharing. No perpetuity rights. Gate money distribution concerns. This system needs fixing. It was designed by Sethi and Salman Sarwar Butt, and perhaps it needs a rethink. Especially now, with skyrocketing franchise valuations. Multan Sultans already cough up over a billion rupees annually. Maybe the pressure is why they lash out.
But if you hate me so much, why stick around? Plenty of others would love to invest in Pakistan cricket. These critics should either help improve things or move aside. As for the loudest voices on YouTube—negativity gets more clicks, sure, but it doesn’t build legacies.
I urge Mohsin Naqvi to dig into this. Find out who’s working against me and remind them: if you don’t like the league, don’t ruin it—leave it. We’ll find people who see the bigger picture.
Salman Naseer has started to care for me again. But one man can’t fix everything. He needs a dedicated, focused team.
Even IPL fans admire my level of cricket. My matches are competitive. My players are fearless. So why not grow me further? Support me, and Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem wins. Try to sabotage me—and you risk turning me into another forgotten league.
But deep down, I know you don’t want that. You created me. Now protect me.
FAQs About the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
1. What is the PSL?
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in Pakistan, featuring top domestic and international players, aimed at promoting cricket and uncovering new talent in the country.
2. When and where did the PSL start?
PSL began in 2016 with matches initially held in the UAE due to security concerns. It later moved to Pakistan and now takes place in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
3. How many teams are in the PSL?
The league currently consists of six teams, each representing different cities in Pakistan, owned by private franchises.
4. How has PSL contributed to Pakistan’s cricket?
PSL has been instrumental in reviving international cricket in Pakistan, bringing in revenue for the PCB, and helping discover emerging talent like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and more.
5. What are some of the challenges PSL faces today?
