Lahore Qalandars Clinch Third PSL Title After Thrilling Final

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a celebrated brand in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, admired not just for its competitive spirit but also for its role in showcasing local talent. However, this year, the PSL moved forward with a surprising silence so quiet, in fact, that it seemed the league was choosing a new path, one that now runs parallel to the Indian Premier League. This subtle transformation hinted at a larger change in direction and identity for the tournament.

In a recent statement, Pakistan’s newly appointed T20 captain, Salman Agha, acknowledged this shift, emphasizing the need for young Pakistani players to rise through the ranks. He asserted that unless PSL produces its own modern-day local stars, it would continue to struggle in drawing consistent attention from fans. His words reflected a harsh reality: star power, once the league’s biggest asset, is now fading.

The Rise and Stagnation of PSL Star Power

When the PSL was launched a decade ago, it made an immediate impact in the franchise cricket market. The league gained popularity quickly, largely due to fresh, energetic players like Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Fakhar Zaman. These players not only performed in the PSL but also made headlines globally, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s unforgettable Champions Trophy win in 2017. That triumph brightened PSL’s prospects and established it as a league capable of nurturing world-class talent.

But time, as always, moved on. As global franchise leagues multiplied and the early PSL stars began to fade from the spotlight, the league’s market appeal gradually started to diminish. The decline became more apparent in recent seasons, especially this year, as excitement around the tournament was noticeably low from the very beginning.

While Pakistan’s underwhelming Champions Trophy campaign contributed to the lack of enthusiasm, the core issue was clear: the faces that once defined PSL’s uniqueness no longer carried the same influence in cricketing circles. Even the announcement of the PSL schedule this season failed to generate the kind of buzz that was once a given.

The Emergence of a New Generation

Despite the challenges, this season also offered hope for revival. Several young players—Muhammad Naeem, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafi, and Moaz Sadaqat have emerged as promising prospects. Their talent and performances have injected fresh energy into the league, giving fans and franchises a reason to believe in a stronger future.

For these players, the final of psl 2025 was more than just another game. It was a stage to introduce themselves to the world and a golden opportunity to cement their place in the next chapter of Pakistani cricket. Even fans who had largely ignored the season turned their attention to the final, aware of what was at stake for the league’s future.

Quetta Gladiators: The Return of the Fighters

Among the competing teams, the Quetta Gladiators stood out for their unexpected yet commendable journey to the final. After years of underperformance and frequent eliminations before the final stages, Quetta found their rhythm again. Under the thoughtful leadership of Saud Shakeel, the team rediscovered its balance and maturity, which became visible in all three departments batting, bowling, and fielding.

Although the recent political tensions between Pakistan and India disrupted the tournament’s schedule and made it harder to secure international talent, both finalists used their available resources wisely. By the time the final arrived, both teams looked equally competitive and fully prepared for the big match.

Lahore Qalandars’ Path of Dominance

On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars came into the final with confidence and consistency. Earlier in the season, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had said that instead of engaging in off-field discussions, he would let the team’s performance speak for itself. His team did exactly that, dominating their path to the final without suffering a single defeat.

Lahore’s success was built on the discipline of their bowling attack and the resolve of their batting unit. The team showcased balance, focus, and a championship mindset throughout the season. Meanwhile, Quetta’s strength lay in their ability to absorb pressure and win critical moments, like they did in their thrilling semifinal against Islamabad United, where young Hassan Nawaz kept his composure under extreme tension and guided the team to a memorable victory.

The Grand Finale: Lahore vs Quetta

The PSL 10 final was everything fans hoped for a high-scoring, edge-of-the-seat encounter between two determined teams. Batting first, Quetta Gladiators posted a challenging target of 202 runs. Lahore Qalandars accepted the challenge and chased the total down in dramatic fashion, winning by six wickets with just one ball remaining.

Kusal Perera played a match-winning innings, remaining unbeaten on 62 runs, while Sikandar Raza provided the finishing touch with a stunning 22 runs off only 7 balls, including the boundary that sealed Lahore’s third PSL title and Become psl 10 final winner 2025.

Celebrations and Award Ceremony

Following the match, President Asif Ali Zardari presented the winning trophy to Shaheen Shah Afridi in a glittering post-match ceremony. The stadium echoed with chants and emotions as Lahore Qalandars players celebrated their historic achievement.

During the ceremony, several players were recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Kusal Perera was named Player of the Final, while Hassan Nawaz of Quetta received the Batsman of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament awards, highlighting his emergence as a future star.

Shaheen Afridi was awarded Best Bowler, Sikandar Raza was named Best All-Rounder, and Muhammad Naeem of Lahore was honored as the Best Emerging Player of PSL 10.

Prize Money Distribution

Along with the prestigious title, Lahore Qalandars received a grand prize of US $500,000 (over PKR 140 million), while the runner-up Quetta Gladiators earned US $200,000 (over PKR 56 million). These cash prizes not only reward performance but also reflect the league’s financial scale and growing commercial interest.

A League Reimagining Its Future

Lahore’s third title win makes them the most successful team in recent PSL history, having now won titles in PSL 7, PSL 8, and PSL 10. Yet, beyond the result, this season may be remembered more for its symbolism an inflection point for the PSL.

The success of emerging players, the leadership qualities of captains like Shaheen Afridi and Saud Shakeel, and the dramatic nature of the final have laid the foundation for a new era. If nurtured correctly, this could be the start of a fresh, exciting chapter in the league’s evolution one built not on fading stars of the past but on the fire of a new generation. All The psl live Matches will be streamed free on