By SRTeam The 2018 Pakistan Super League (PSL) marked a significant chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing history, showcasing the nation’s passion for the sport and its capability to host international-level events. This third edition of the PSL, held from February 22 to March 25, 2018, featured six franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. The inclusion of Multan Sultans expanded the league, adding a new dimension to the competition.
PSL Season 3 2018 Champion: Islamabad United
Islamabad United clinched their second PSL title in 2018, reaffirming their dominance in the league. The final, held on March 25, 2018, at the National Stadium in Karachi, saw Islamabad United face the defending champions, Peshawar Zalmi. Peshawar Zalmi batted first and posted a total of 148 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Islamabad United chased down the target, scoring 154 runs for seven wickets in 16.5 overs, securing victory by three wickets. Luke Ronchi played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring a rapid 52 runs off 26 balls, and was named the Man of the Match.
Runner-Up: Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Darren Sammy, showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament, earning their place in the final for the second consecutive year. Despite setting a competitive total in the final, they were unable to contain Islamabad United’s batting lineup. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2018 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Islamabad United, as the champions, received a prize of US$500,000, while the runner-up, Peshawar Zalmi, earned US$200,000. These prizes underscored the league’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence on the field.
Participating Teams
The 2018 PSL season featured six franchises, each representing a major city in Pakistan. Below is an overview of each team, including their city, owner, home ground, and captain:
| Team | City | Owner | Home Ground | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | Islamabad | Leonine Global Sports | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | Misbah-ul-Haq |
| Karachi Kings | Karachi | ARY Group | National Stadium | Imad Wasim |
| Lahore Qalandars | Lahore | Qatar Lubricants Company | Gaddafi Stadium | Brendon McCullum |
| Multan Sultans | Multan | Schon Properties | Multan Cricket Stadium | Shoaib Malik |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Peshawar | Haier Pakistan | Arbab Niaz Stadium | Darren Sammy |
| Quetta Gladiators | Quetta | Omar Associates | Bugti Stadium | Sarfaraz Ahmed |
Notable Performances and Statistics
The tournament also highlighted individual brilliance. Luke Ronchi of Islamabad United was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, amassing 435 runs. Faheem Ashraf of Islamabad United and Wahab Riaz of Peshawar Zalmi topped the wicket-taking charts with 18 wickets each.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s third season set the foundation for subsequent editions, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing cricket in Pakistan. It provided a platform for local players to compete alongside international stars, enhancing their skills and exposure. Moreover, the league’s success contributed to restoring international cricket’s confidence in Pakistan as a safe and vibrant host for major sporting events.
In conclusion, the 2018 PSL season was more than just a cricket tournament; it was a celebration of the sport’s spirit, bringing together diverse talents and setting the stage for a thriving cricketing future in Pakistan.