By SRTeam The 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) concluded with Islamabad United clinching their third title, solidifying their position as the most successful franchise in the league’s history. The ninth edition of the PSL, held from February 17 to March 18, 2024, 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 9 2024 Champion: Islamabad United
Islamabad United secured their third PSL title by defeating Multan Sultans in a thrilling final. The championship match took place on March 18, 2024, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Multan Sultans, opting to bat first, posted a total of 159 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Islamabad United chased down the target, scoring 163 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs, achieving victory by two wickets. Imad Wasim played a pivotal role in the match, earning the Man of the Match award for his all-round performance.
Runner-Up: Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament, earning their place in the final. Despite their efforts, they were unable to contain Islamabad United’s batting lineup in the final. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2024 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Islamabad United, as the champions, received a prize of PKR 120 million, while the runner-up, Multan Sultans, earned PKR 48 million. These prizes underscored the league’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence on the field.
Participating Teams
The 2024 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 | Shaheen Afridi |
| Multan Sultans | Multan | Alamgir Khan Tareen | Multan Cricket Stadium | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Peshawar Zalmi | Peshawar | Javed Afridi | Arbab Niaz Stadium | Babar Azam |
| Quetta Gladiators | Quetta | Nadeem Omar | Bugti Stadium | Sarfaraz Ahmed |
Notable Performances and Statistics
The tournament also highlighted individual brilliance. Babar Azam of Peshawar Zalmi was the leading run-scorer with 569 runs, while Usama Mir of Multan Sultans topped the wicket-taking charts with 24 wickets. Shadab Khan of Islamabad United was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s ninth 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 2024 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.