By SRTeam The 2023 Pakistan Super League (PSL) delivered an exhilarating season, culminating in a historic final that underscored the league’s growing prominence in the cricketing world. The eighth edition of the PSL, held from February 13 to March 18, 2023, 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 8 2023 Champion: Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars clinched their second consecutive PSL title in 2023, showcasing consistent performance throughout the tournament. The final, held on March 18, 2023, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, saw Lahore Qalandars face Multan Sultans. Lahore Qalandars batted first and posted a formidable total of 200 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Multan Sultans managed to score 199 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs, resulting in a thrilling 1-run victory for Lahore Qalandars. Shaheen Afridi played a pivotal role in the match, scoring an unbeaten 44 runs off 15 balls and taking four wickets for 51 runs, earning him the Man of the Match award.
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 third consecutive year. Despite their efforts, they were unable to surpass Lahore Qalandars’ total in the final. Their journey to the final highlighted their consistent performance and strategic acumen.
Prize Money
The PSL 2023 offered substantial financial rewards to its top performers. Lahore Qalandars, 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 2023 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. Mohammad Rizwan of Multan Sultans was the leading run-scorer with 550 runs, while Abbas Afridi of Multan Sultans topped the wicket-taking charts with 23 wickets. Ihsanullah of Multan Sultans was named the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, taking 22 wickets.
Impact and Legacy
The successful execution of PSL’s eighth 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 2023 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.