Who Started PSL and Why It Was Created

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is Pakistan’s premier T20 franchise cricket tournament and one of the fastest-growing cricket leagues in the world.

However, many cricket fans still ask an important question:

Who started PSL and why was it created?

If you want to explore the complete PSL origin timeline and early development story, read our detailed pillar guide here:

In this article, we explain:

Who founded PSL
When PSL officially started
Why PSL was created
How PSL transformed Pakistan cricket

Who Started PSL?

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) was launched in 2015 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under the leadership of former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, who is widely considered the architect of PSL.

His vision was to create a professional franchise-based T20 league, similar to global tournaments like:

Indian Premier League (IPL)
Big Bash League (BBL)

but with a strong focus on promoting Pakistani cricket talent internationally.

For a deeper understanding of when PSL officially started and how Season 1 was organized, read the full PSL history article:

When Did PSL Officially Start?

Although PSL was announced in 2015, the first season was played in February 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.

Key Facts About PSL Season 1

Venue: Dubai & Sharjah
Teams: 5 franchises
Champion: Islamabad United
Player of the Tournament: Ravi Bopara

You can read the complete Season 1 breakdown and franchise structure here:

Why Was PSL Created?

PSL was created with several major goals that helped reshape Pakistan cricket’s future.

1. To Bring International Cricket Back to Pakistan

After the 2009 Sri Lanka team attack in Lahore, international cricket stopped visiting Pakistan for several years.

PSL helped restore global confidence and gradually brought matches back to:

Lahore
Karachi
Rawalpindi
Multan

The step-by-step return of PSL matches to Pakistan is explained here:

2. To Promote Young Pakistani Talent

PSL created a strong platform where emerging players could perform alongside international stars.

Through PSL, Pakistan discovered major future match-winners such as:

Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shadab Khan
Haris Rauf
Mohammad Hasnain

Many of these players later became key members of Pakistan’s national team.

3. To Strengthen PCB Financially

Before PSL, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) relied heavily on bilateral series revenue.

PSL introduced new income streams through:

Broadcasting rights
Sponsorship deals
Franchise investments
Ticket sales
Digital partnerships

These financial improvements helped strengthen Pakistan’s cricket infrastructure significantly.

4. To Improve Pakistan’s Global Cricket Image

PSL allowed international cricketers to play alongside Pakistani players, improving Pakistan’s reputation worldwide.

Participation of overseas stars increased:

global visibility
international trust
fan engagement
league credibility

Learn more about how PSL evolved into a global T20 league brand here:

Original PSL Teams in Season 1 (2016)

The league started with five franchises:

Islamabad United
Karachi Kings
Lahore Qalandars
Peshawar Zalmi
Quetta Gladiators

Later, Multan Sultans joined as the sixth PSL franchise.

Their franchise background and entry timeline are covered in detail inside our PSL history guide:

Role of Najam Sethi in PSL’s Success

Najam Sethi played a major leadership role in:

launching PSL successfully
securing franchise investors
attracting international players
finalizing broadcast partnerships
building league credibility globally

Because of these contributions, he is widely recognized as the founder figure behind PSL’s creation strategy.

Conclusion

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) was started by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) under the leadership of Najam Sethi in 2015, with its first season played in 2016.

The league was created to: