By SRTeam The 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL) showcased a thrilling season of cricket, culminating in a historic victory for the Lahore Qalandars. This seventh edition of the PSL, held from January 27 to February 27, 2022, featured six franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. The tournament was notable for its competitive matches and the emergence of new talents.
PSL Season 7 2022 Champion: Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars clinched their maiden PSL title in 2022, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament. The final, held on February 27, 2022, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, saw Lahore Qalandars face Multan Sultans. Lahore Qalandars batted first and posted a formidable total of 180 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Multan Sultans managed to score 138 runs in 19.3 overs, resulting in a comprehensive 42-run victory for Lahore Qalandars. Mohammad Hafeez played a pivotal role in the match, scoring 69 runs off 46 balls, and was named the Man of the Match.
Runner-Up: Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament, earning their place in the final for the second consecutive year. Despite their efforts, they were unable to contain Lahore Qalandars’ batting lineup in the final. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2022 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Lahore Qalandars, as the champions, received a prize of PKR 80 million, while the runner-up, Multan Sultans, earned PKR 32 million. These prizes underscored the league’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence on the field.
Participating Teams
The 2022 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 | Babar Azam |
| Lahore Qalandars | Lahore | Qatar Lubricants Company | Gaddafi Stadium | Shaheen Afridi |
| 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. Fakhar Zaman of Lahore Qalandars was the leading run-scorer with 588 runs, while Shadab Khan of Islamabad United topped the wicket-taking charts with 19 wickets. Mohammad Rizwan of Multan Sultans was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, amassing 546 runs.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s seventh 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 2022 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.