t was on February 4, 2016, that the much-anticipated Pakistan Super League kicked off after being shelved twice over the past three years due to logistical and security issues. It was hailed as a beacon of hope, unity and sporting excellence.

The PCB had announced the launch of the first season of the Pakistan Super League in 2013 during Zaka Ashraf’s tenure but the project was postponed first due to logistical problems and later due to a lack of interest from investors. However, by mid-2015, spurred by the success of the IPL, the interest from sponsors and investors in the PSL was sufficient to formally launch the league. It is worth noting that Twenty20 cricket began in Pakistan before the IPL, with the first event taking place in 2004. The Sialkot Stallions emerged as the most successful team in Pakistani Twenty20 history, winning five consecutive National T20 Cups between 2005 and 2009. Their winning streak of 25 consecutive games remains a world record for any top-level Twenty20 competition.

Despite gaining popularity and a following in its inaugural season, it wasn’t until 2020 that all matches of the PSL were played in Pakistan. Previously, a majority of matches were held in the UAE due to security concerns. The transition was gradual, with 2017 marking the first year that the final match was held in Lahore, with stringent security measures in place. This marked a significant step for Pakistan’s cricket scene, as international teams and players had avoided the country after the horrific attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009. The incident dealt a severe blow to the nation’s cricketing landscape, casting it into darkness and uncertainty and resulting in the loss of its status as the host of the 2011 World Cup. The 1996 World Cup remains the last international cricket tournament played in Pakistan. However, by hosting matches in various cities across the country, the PSL has brought the excitement of live cricket back to Pakistani soil, rejuvenating stadiums and rekindling the fervour of cricket fans nationwide. If the Board can include cities like Peshawar and Quetta in its future editions, it would be a significant step in improving the image of those places.

The PSL was established by the PCB in collaboration with private investors, with the aim of creating a platform that would not only showcase top-tier cricketing talent but also reignite the passion for the sport among the masses. Drawing inspiration from successful T20 leagues worldwide, the PCB successfully carved out its niche, promising high-octane action, fierce rivalries and unparalleled entertainment. Its inception addressed several critical needs within the country’s cricketing ecosystem. First, it provided a platform for Pakistani cricketers to showcase their skills on a global stage, enabling them to compete alongside and against some of the best players in the world. This exposure has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and honing the skills of seasoned professionals, thereby strengthening the national cricketing infrastructure. However, it has also faced criticism for overshadowing the country’s domestic system by providing a shorter pathway to national team selection.

However, the journey of the PSL has not been without its share of challenges. From security concerns to logistical hurdles, the league has encountered numerous obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges is the traffic blockage and congestion it causes. Initially, half of the city used to come to a standstill, but with every passing year, the situation has improved. However, the plans to build a dedicated hotel within the Nishtar Sports Complex vicinity have yet to materialise. If that project is completed, it would solve a significant logistical problem for the citizens of Lahore.

On the ground, there were incidents of players getting banned due to their involvement in the spot-fixing saga as well. However, these were handled timely, with punishment handed out to the culprits. The PSL dethroned the Big Bash to claim the title of the second-best league in the world, especially when Pakistani fans filled the stadium after its return to Pakistan. A unique selling point for the league was the balance, and at times, dominance of the ball over the bat. From 2016 to 2019, no other league had fewer runs per match, despite this happening in an era where players like Gayle and AB de Villiers were making hundreds at will. The early roster of the league included well-established names like Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Shane Watson, Kevin Pietersen, Brendon McCullum, Sunil Narine and AB de Villiers, to name a few. Even though some of them did not come to play in Pakistan initially, everyone who made the trip to the country was welcomed.

The PSL has faced significant challenges in recent years, primarily due to stiff competition from emerging rival leagues such as SA20 and ILT20, which offer better financial and experiential opportunities. This competition has highlighted that, whether acknowledged or not, the PSL has not been able to maintain its supremacy in the realm of T20 cricket. Additionally, with the holy month of Ramazan overlapping with the league’s schedule, it appears inevitable that the PSL will be compelled to continue shifting its schedule for a significant portion of the next decade.

Another major challenge is the rise of new team groups, where a single owner controls multiple teams across different leagues. This arrangement raises concerns about player loyalty and integrity, as it becomes likely for a player to continue playing for the same owner in various leagues. There are genuine concerns that this trend could undermine international cricket, as players may become contracted to sports franchises rather than national boards.

Pakistan’s socio-economic and political instability has further exacerbated the challenges facing the PSL. Since the beginning of 2021, there have been three PSL seasons and five changes in PCB chairmanship. Additionally, the country has seen three changes in prime ministers during the same period. The domestic cricket system has undergone numerous overhauls over the past decade, more than it should have. Despite these challenges, Pakistan is set to host the Champions Trophy in 2025 and the PCB finally has an elected full-time chairman. One can only hope that the PCB devises a comprehensive plan to address these issues, ensuring the continued growth of Pakistan’s premier sports brand.

The writer is a digital communication expert and consultant currently working in the public sector. He is the mastermind behind the digital platforms, Sukhan, Mani’s Cricket Myths and Over The Line