The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 ceremony created a historic moment as it took place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The event brought together some of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names who highlighted the league’s rapid global growth and its impact on young talent.
A Landmark Ceremony at the Home of Cricket
The ceremony marked a proud chapter for Pakistan cricket. A large number of former and current players attended the event, along with officials connected to the league. A special panel featured PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, former chairman Ramiz Raja, and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram.
Ramiz Raja expressed that hosting a PSL ceremony at Lord’s was a moment of national pride. He said the league’s presence at such a celebrated venue reflected how rapidly the PSL had expanded. He added that running the PSL and IPL at the same time remained a challenge due to viewership overlap.
Wasim Akram Praises PSL’s Role in Grooming Talent
Wasim Akram said the PSL had become a major platform for discovering new talent. He highlighted its consistent growth and said he looked forward to the coming season. He also advised new franchise owners to avoid blaming coaching staff after every loss. He stressed that patience helps teams develop stronger performances.
PCB Chairman Outlines League’s Vision
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi shared that the board aimed to make the PSL the top cricket league in the world. He acknowledged the earlier efforts started by former PCB chairman Najam Sethi. He also emphasised that national players showed immense potential, and the board was enhancing training facilities to support them. Upgrades to High Performance Centres in both Lahore and Karachi are currently underway.
PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer called the event at Lord’s a major milestone. He said the league had become Pakistan’s strongest sporting brand and continued to build its international identity. He confirmed that the bidding process for two new teams had officially begun, marking an exciting expansion phase.
Star Cricketers Share How PSL Shaped Their Journeys
Top players also highlighted how the PSL transformed their careers.
Babar Azam said the league played a major role in his professional growth. He praised the guidance of senior players and said the PSL boosted Pakistan’s global cricket image.
Sahibzada Farhan said domestic cricket laid the foundation of his skills, while the PSL accelerated his progress by offering valuable international exposure.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf said the league had been crucial at key stages of his development. He added that the PSL prepared him for the honour of representing Pakistan.
Celebrations with Music and Fan Engagement
Cricket icons Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram engaged with fans throughout the ceremony, sharing insights on the league’s evolution. Singer Ali Zafar added energy to the event with a live performance of the PSL anthem, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
