By SRTeam The 2021 Pakistan Super League (PSL) was a testament to cricket’s resilience amid global challenges, delivering thrilling matches and showcasing emerging talents. The sixth edition of the PSL, held from February 20 to June 24, 2021, featured six franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. The tournament commenced in Pakistan but faced a mid-season suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It later resumed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, ensuring the completion of the season.
PSL Season 6 2021 Champion: Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans clinched their maiden PSL title in 2021, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament. The final, held on June 24, 2021, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, saw Multan Sultans face Peshawar Zalmi. Multan Sultans batted first and posted a formidable total of 206 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Peshawar Zalmi managed to score 159 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs, resulting in a comprehensive 47-run victory for Multan Sultans. Sohaib Maqsood played a pivotal role in the match, scoring an unbeaten 65 runs off 35 balls, and was named the Man of the Match.
Runner-Up: Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Wahab Riaz, showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament, earning their place in the final for the fourth time. Despite their efforts, they were unable to contain Multan Sultans’ batting lineup in the final. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2021 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Multan Sultans, as the champions, received a prize of PKR 75 million, while the runner-up, Peshawar Zalmi, earned PKR 30 million. These prizes underscored the league’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence on the field.
Participating Teams
The 2021 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 | Shadab Khan |
| Karachi Kings | Karachi | ARY Group | National Stadium | Imad Wasim |
| Lahore Qalandars | Lahore | Qatar Lubricants Company | Gaddafi Stadium | Sohail Akhtar |
| Multan Sultans | Multan | Alamgir Khan Tareen | Multan Cricket Stadium | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Peshawar | Javed Afridi | Arbab Niaz Stadium | Wahab Riaz |
| Quetta Gladiators | Quetta | Nadeem Omar | Bugti Stadium | Sarfaraz Ahmed |
Notable Performances and Statistics
The tournament also highlighted individual brilliance. Babar Azam of Karachi Kings was the leading run-scorer with 554 runs, while Shahnawaz Dahani of Multan Sultans topped the wicket-taking charts with 20 wickets. Sohaib Maqsood of Multan Sultans was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, amassing 428 runs.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s sixth season amid global challenges 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 2021 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.