By SRTeam The 2020 Pakistan Super League (PSL) marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s cricketing history, as it was the first season entirely hosted on home soil. This fifth edition of the PSL, held from February 20 to November 17, 2020, 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 all matches hosted in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan.
PSL Season 5 2020 Champion: Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings clinched their maiden PSL title in 2020, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament. The final, held on November 17, 2020, at the National Stadium in Karachi, saw Karachi Kings face Lahore Qalandars. Lahore Qalandars batted first and posted a total of 134 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Karachi Kings chased down the target, scoring 135 runs for five wickets in 18.4 overs, securing victory by five wickets. Babar Azam played a pivotal role in the match, scoring an unbeaten 63 runs off 49 balls, and was named the Man of the Match.
Runner-Up: Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars, led by Sohail Akhtar, showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament, earning their place in the final for the first time. Despite setting a competitive total in the final, they were unable to contain Karachi Kings’ batting lineup. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2020 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Karachi Kings, as the champions, received a prize of US$500,000, while the runner-up, Lahore Qalandars, earned US$200,000. These prizes underscored the league’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence on the field.
Participating Teams
The 2020 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 | Schon Properties | Multan Cricket Stadium | Shan Masood |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Peshawar | Haier Pakistan | Arbab Niaz Stadium | Wahab Riaz |
| Quetta Gladiators | Quetta | Omar Associates | Bugti Stadium | Sarfaraz Ahmed |
Notable Performances and Statistics
The tournament also highlighted individual brilliance. Babar Azam of Karachi Kings was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, amassing 473 runs. Shaheen Afridi of Lahore Qalandars topped the wicket-taking charts with 17 wickets.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s fifth 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 2020 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.