PSL Players: The Stars Who Define Pakistan’s League

Babar Azam’s cover drives, Shaheen Afridi’s opening spells, Rizwan’s consistency — the PSL’s identity is its players. This guide profiles the stars who define the league and explains how the player auction assembles the 8 squads each season.

Pakistani Stars

• Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi): the league’s batting benchmark — 588 runs in PSL 11 (equalling Fakhar Zaman’s single-season record) and finally a champion captain in 2026.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars): the only captain with three PSL titles (2022, 2023, 2025); his 3/24 decided the 2025 final.
• Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans): Mr Consistent — led Multan to the 2021 title and three straight finals after.
• Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars): explosive opener and former single-season run record holder.
• Saim Ayub (Hyderabad Kingsmen): the new generation — 50 in the PSL 11 final in his franchise’s debut season.

Foreign Greats

• Kusal Perera (Sri Lanka): player of the match in the PSL 10 final (62* off 31).
• Aaron Hardie (Australia): the PSL 11 final hero — 4/27 and an unbeaten 56.
• Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe): flew in from a Test in England and hit the winning runs in the 2025 final.
• Glenn Maxwell & Marnus Labuschagne (Australia): headline signings of the new Hyderabad Kingsmen.
• Darren Sammy (West Indies): captained Peshawar Zalmi to the 2017 title — a PSL legend.

The Auction System

PSL 11 (2026) replaced the traditional draft with an auction — the first in league history. The mechanics: teams retain a core of players, then bid across platinum, diamond, gold and silver categories, plus emerging picks for young Pakistani talent. Foreign player registration opened months ahead of the season, with the PCB expanding roster spots to fill eight squads.

League Records

• Most runs in a season: 588 — Fakhar Zaman (original record), equalled by Babar Azam in PSL 11.
• Highest successful chase in a T20 final: Lahore Qalandars’ 202 against Quetta Gladiators, PSL 10 (2025).
• Most titles as captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi (3).

More: all 8 PSL teams · draft & auction explained · squads guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best players in the PSL?

Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman are the league’s defining Pakistani stars, joined by foreign greats like Kusal Perera, Aaron Hardie, Sikandar Raza and Glenn Maxwell.

How are PSL players selected?

Since PSL 11 (2026), players are picked through an auction across platinum, diamond, gold and silver categories, plus emerging picks — after teams retain a core of players from the previous season.

Who scored the most runs in a PSL season?

588 runs — the record set by Fakhar Zaman and equalled by Babar Azam in PSL 11 (2026).