By SRTeam The 2019 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 fourth edition of the PSL, held from February 14 to March 17, 2019, featured six franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. The tournament was notable for bringing a substantial portion of the matches back to Pakistan, with eight matches, including the final, hosted in Karachi.
PSL Season 4 2019 Champion: Quetta Gladiators
Quetta Gladiators clinched their maiden PSL title in 2019, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament. The final, held on March 17, 2019, at the National Stadium in Karachi, saw Quetta Gladiators face Peshawar Zalmi. Peshawar Zalmi batted first and posted a total of 138 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Quetta Gladiators chased down the target, scoring 139 runs for two wickets in 17.5 overs, securing victory by eight wickets. Mohammad Hasnain played a pivotal role in the match, taking three wickets for 30 runs, 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 third consecutive year. Despite setting a competitive total in the final, they were unable to contain Quetta Gladiators’ batting lineup. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2019 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Quetta Gladiators, 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 2019 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 | Mohammad Sami |
| Karachi Kings | Karachi | ARY Group | National Stadium | Imad Wasim |
| Lahore Qalandars | Lahore | Qatar Lubricants Company | Gaddafi Stadium | AB de Villiers |
| 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. Shane Watson of Quetta Gladiators was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, amassing 430 runs. Hasan Ali of Peshawar Zalmi topped the wicket-taking charts with 25 wickets.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s fourth 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 2019 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.