In a script that could rival any sports fairytale, the team once labelled the most unsuccessful in the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) early years has now become the most decorated side in its history. From ending the first six seasons without a single title to now holding three trophies in the last four years, Lahore Qalandars have completed a sensational turnaround. The crowning moment came on May 25, when they lifted the PSL X trophy (Luminara) after a high-octane final against Quetta Gladiators, becoming the first team to win three PSL titles. This season held special significance — it marked the league’s 10th anniversary. What unfolded was a blockbuster cricketing saga that broke records not just on the field, but also in terms of digital and broadcast viewership. Lahore Qalandars had finished at the bottom of the table last season, a stunning fall after back-to-back title wins. Their captain Shaheen Shah Afridi came under intense scrutiny, facing criticism from fans and former cricketers alike. But true to his resilient character, Shaheen led his side to a remarkable comeback, turning jeers into cheers. PSL 10 wasn’t just a cricket tournament — it was a story of redemption, surprises, heartbreaks and unforgettable highs Despite the absence of three key match-winners, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza, in the playoffs, the Qalandars thrived under pressure. In the final, when the game looked lost, it was the dramatic inclusion of Sikandar Raza — who had come all the way from England and landed in Lahore only 10 minutes before the toss to join Qalandars in the final — that changed the narrative. Raza, who wasn’t part of the playoff squad initially, smashed a stunning 22 off just seven balls. He and Kusal Perera scripted an improbable chase, as Lahore became the first team to successfully chase a 200+ target in a T20 tournament final. Shaheen’s emotional reaction after the victory — his eyes welling up with tears — was a poignant moment that captured the pain of past failures and the ecstasy of redemption. Not only did he captain his side to the title, he also claimed the Fazal Mahmood Cap as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. In the post-match press conference, Shaheen addressed the lack of support from former players: “If we look at the successful teams around the world, their ex-players stand behind them,” he said. “If we want to improve Pakistan cricket, we need to support each other.” On the other side of the final stood Quetta Gladiators — resurgent and dominant throughout the season. Under the new captain Saud Shakeel, Quetta looked transformed. From the player draft onwards, they set the tone by ticking every box. Their overseas firepower included Rilee Rossouw, Mark Chapman and Finn Allen, while local stars such as Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf added experience and balance. Amir reminded everyone of his class by dismissing Babar Azam twice in the tournament, while Faheem justified his wildcard Platinum pick with 17 wickets and 163 impactful runs at a strike rate of 155.23. Another Gladiator Hassan Nawaz, who recently made his T20I debut for Pakistan, had an amazing PSL season and became only the second emerging player to win the player of the tournament award in PSL history. Quetta were the first team to qualify for both the playoffs and the final but, despite posting a strong total in the finale, the Gladiators fell short when it mattered the most. Luck deserted them in the final hour. Beyond Lahore and Quetta, PSL 10 delivered several captivating subplots. One of the biggest surprises came just weeks before the tournament, when Islamabad United picked Sahibzada Farhan, who had been ignored in the initial draft despite being the leading T20 run-scorer of the year. Farhan went on to top the season’s runs chart and won the Hanif Mohammad Cap. Islamabad began the season in imperious form, with five consecutive wins, but their fortunes took a dramatic turn once they reached Lahore. They couldn’t win a single game at the venue, where they now have a dismal win record. Eventually, their campaign ended in Eliminator 2, at the hands of the Qalandars. Karachi Kings also showed signs of revival after years of under-achievement. Since their 2020 title win, they had consistently struggled, but this season brought hope with the inclusion of big names such as David Warner, who led the side, James Vince, and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson — though the latter didn’t feature in a single match. Despite the promise, Karachi’s journey ended in Eliminator 1 against their arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars, who beat them for the first time in a knock-out game. It was also the Qalandars’ first home win against the Kings in four years. However, for two of Pakistan’s marquee players — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — PSL 10 turned out to be a season to forget. After facing severe criticism over their strike rates and batting styles, both were dropped from the national T20 side in March. This season was seen as a potential springboard for their comeback, but the reality was harsh. Rizwan, who had led Multan Sultans to four consecutive finals, oversaw their worst campaign ever — one win, and a bottom-place finish. Though he ranked among the top 10 run-scorers, his contributions lacked impact. His power play strike rate stood at a modest 128.7, clearly below par in modern T20 standards. Babar Azam also endured a rough campaign. Amid suggestions that he should drop to No 3 for Peshawar Zalmi, Babar eventually did so and produced a couple of strong innings. However, even his valiant 94 against Karachi Kings couldn’t secure a win, and his team faltered when it mattered the most. While some stadiums didn’t see full crowds, PSL 10 set the digital world ablaze. Despite clashing with the IPL, it broke multiple viewership records. According to Walee Technologies, in the first 26 matches alone, PSL 10 garnered 2.2 billion views, with an average watch time of 17.31 minutes and a reach of 42.4 million. Notably, these figures didn’t include data from the digital platform Tamasha. In its first week alone, PSL 10 viewership spiked by an astounding 826.5 percent, while IPL’s viewership rose by just 35 percent. While India’s larger population still gives IPL the overall edge, in terms of percentage growth PSL had no rival. The introduction of new broadcast technologies further enhanced the viewer experience. As the curtain falls on PSL’s first decade, the league stands at the threshold of a new era. All current franchise owners have confirmed their commitment to the future, and two new teams are expected to join in the next cycle. Although the new format and rules are still under deliberation, the groundwork for expansion will begin in the coming weeks. PSL 10 wasn’t just a cricket tournament — it was a story of redemption, surprises, heartbreaks and unforgettable highs. And if this season is anything to go by, the next decade promises even more drama and glory. The writer is a cricket correspondent and digital content creator. X: @abubakartarar_ Published in Dawn, EOS, June 1st, 2025