EDITORIAL:
The Pakistan Super League 2023 final was a nail-biting affair, showcasing the best of T20 cricket. Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious with a narrow one-run win over Multan Sultans, creating history as the first team to win back-to-back titles. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the Qalandars’ captain, was the hero of the match, delivering a commanding performance with both bat and ball. He finished with an unbeaten 44 and took three crucial wickets in the 18th over to swing the game in his team’s favour. In the end, it was his run-out of Khushdil Shah on the last ball that sealed the deal for the Qalandars.
The Qalandars had a dominant run in the tournament, winning seven out of ten matches in the league stage to finish on top. The Sultans, on the other hand, had a slow start but bounced back strongly to reach the final, recording a crushing win in the qualifier. However, the Qalandars were not to be denied, as they defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the second eliminator to secure their spot in the final.
The final was a seesaw battle, with both teams having their moments of dominance. The Sultans were in control for most of the game until Shaheen’s heroics in the latter stages. The Qalandars’ skipper showcased his all-round abilities, leading his team to a hard-fought victory.
This year’s PSL final showcased the true spirit of T20 cricket, with both teams playing with passion and determination. It was a fitting end to a tournament that saw some thrilling encounters and standout performances. The Qalandars’ triumph is a testament to their consistency and resilience, and they fully deserved to be crowned champions for the second year in a row.
The PSL has come a long way since its inception in 2016, and it has now established itself as one of the premier T20 leagues in the world. The tournament has not only provided a platform for young Pakistani cricketers to showcase their talent but has also attracted some of the biggest names in world cricket. The likes of Chris Gayle, Dale Steyn, and David Miller have graced the tournament in recent years, adding to the spectacle and glamour of the event.
However, the PSL is more than just a cricket tournament. It has played a significant role in promoting Pakistan as a safe and welcoming destination for international cricket. The league has been instrumental in reviving international cricket in the country, with several high-profile matches taking place in Pakistan in recent years. The successful hosting of the PSL final in Lahore is a testament to the improved security situation in the country and the determination of the cricketing authorities to bring back international cricket to Pakistan.
As the PSL continues to grow and evolve, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. The issue of player retention and the lack of a proper domestic structure are some of the key areas that need to be looked into. The PSL can take a leaf out of the Indian Premier League’s book, which has a well-established player retention policy and a robust domestic structure that has produced some of the best talents in world cricket.
Najam Sethi, the interim management committee chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), had stated at the start of the season that his aim was to make the PSL bigger and better. And boy, did he deliver! The league’s digital ratings surpassed those of the Indian Premier League, which is no small feat.
The season got off to a flying start with some record-breaking performances. The opening game saw the most sixes and fours hit, which set the tone for the rest of the season. As the tournament progressed, it delivered some compelling storylines. Pakistan’s all-format captain, Babar Azam, jumped ship and joined Peshawar Zalmi, adding intrigue to the games against his former side, the Karachi Kings. Babar excelled with his bat, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament, just behind the Sultans’ skipper, Mohammad Rizwan. However, despite his individual brilliance, Babar came up short in his bid to lift his first PSL title as captain.
But PSL isn’t just about established stars. The league has always been a platform for young, up-and-coming players to showcase their talent. This season was no different. Ihsanullah, the player of the tournament, was a revelation. The young bowler finished as the second-highest wicket-taker behind his Sultans teammate Abbas Afridi, announcing himself to the cricketing world. Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi’s Saim Ayub impressed with his batting performances. These are the kind of performances that make PSL so special – a breeding ground for future stars.
The league culminated in a nail-biting final between the Sultans and the Qalandars, with the latter winning by a solitary run to become the first repeat champions of the tournament. The Qalandars’ skipper, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was the star of the final, shining with both bat and ball. His quickfire 44 and three wickets in the 18th over turned the game in his side’s favour. And when the Sultans seemed to have recovered in the last five overs, Shaheen ran out Khushdil Shah on the last ball of the contest to secure the Qalandars’ victory. It was a thrilling end to a pulsating season.
The fact that PSL went on despite the unrest in Lahore is commendable. The tournament not only showcased Pakistan’s ability as a cricket host but also provided some much-needed respite from the cantankerous politics that often dominates the headlines. For cricket fans, PSL is a much-needed distraction from the daily grind of life, and this season delivered just that.
In conclusion, PSL has once again proven that it is one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world. The tournament’s ability to deliver thrilling performances while also unearthing new talent is what makes it so special. The sixth edition of PSL may have come to an end, but it has left a lasting impression on the cricketing world. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the tournament, but one thing is for sure – PSL will continue to be a breeding ground for future stars and a source of entertainment for cricket fans all around the world.
Read more:
