KEY POINTS
- PCB Chairman reaffirms the goal of making PSL the world’s top cricket league.
- Babar Azam credits the PSL for his growth, calling it a launchpad for his international career.
- Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram highlight PSL’s role in nurturing young Pakistani cricketers.
LONDON: The Lord’s Cricket Ground was buzzing with energy as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) brought its high-profile roadshow to London, attracting a host of cricket legends, current superstars, and top officials.
The event marked a major milestone in PSL’s global journey, highlighting its growing influence and recognition in the cricketing world.
Key Officials and Legends Unite at Lord’s
The roadshow featured an elite panel, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja, legendary bowler Wasim Akram, and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
The panellists discussed the significance of the PSL in developing local talent and elevating Pakistan cricket on the world stage.
“We want to make PSL the number one league in the world,” PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced, emphasising the board’s dedication to enhancing the league’s global stature.
He credited PSL for providing local players with the chance to sharpen their skills and for offering motivating incentives that have helped players elevate their game.
Naqvi also shared the valuable advice he had received from current and former cricketers, including Ramiz, Wasim, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, and Sahibzada Farhan, which he believed was worth implementing for the league’s growth.
Reflecting on his own experience, Naqvi acknowledged regretting not bidding for more teams during the league’s first auction in 2016, advising potential investors to “take the risk” as PSL’s growth had made teams much more valuable.
“Whatever you invest now will be worth it in the future,” he assured.
With two new teams set to join in PSL’s 11th edition, the league will expand to eight franchises, marking its first major restructuring in seven years.
A glimpse into the #NewEra 💫
📸 A star-studded #HBLPSL Roadshow at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground – the Home of Cricket ✨🏏
Full Event ➡️ https://t.co/qHShEAxV5t pic.twitter.com/JzyFUdktuA
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) December 8, 2025
Babar Azam Credits PSL for Shaping His Cricketing Career
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam praised the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for playing a pivotal role in shaping his professional cricketing journey.
Speaking at the league’s roadshow at Lord’s, Babar reflected on his early years in the PSL, where he had the opportunity to learn from top international players.
“As a youngster, my goal was to learn from the best players. Sharing the dressing room with legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Mahela Jayawardene helped me grow both as a cricketer and a person,” Babar shared.
He also recalled a “fan moment” when he met his idol, AB de Villiers, during the PSL, an experience that left a lasting impact on him.
Babar, who made his PSL debut in 2016 with Islamabad United, credited the tournament as a launchpad for his international career.
He advised young players to use the PSL as an opportunity to hone their skills and learn from the best.
“It means a lot. It was a platform for me, and now, as a senior player, I encourage youngsters to make the most of it,” he said.
Legends Laud PSL’s Role in Development
Ramiz Raja, the former captain, praised PSL’s impact on nurturing young talent. “PSL is promoting Pakistan cricket,” he said, underscoring the league’s role in giving emerging players the opportunity to compete alongside international stars.
Wasim Akram, known as the “Sultan of Swing,” echoed Raja’s sentiments, calling the league a dual force of entertainment and talent cultivation.
“PSL provides great entertainment for fans and gives our local players the opportunity to shine,” he remarked.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer shared his pride in hosting the successful event at Lord’s, noting, “Cricket fans in Pakistan enjoy great contests on the field, and PSL continues to deliver that excitement.”
Farhan and Rauf Celebrate PSL’s Impact on Their Careers
Sahibzada Farhan, a top-order batter, praised the league for its role in enhancing his skills. “In PSL, you get a chance to learn from senior players like Babar Azam,” he said, crediting the league for transforming his career.
“I’ve been playing for 17 years, and only now have people started recognising my work. PSL made that possible.”
Speedster Haris Rauf also reflected on the impact of PSL on his career, calling it a “part of our lives” and a turning point in his journey to stardom.
Proud Day for Pakistan Cricket
The event at Lord’s was a testament to the PSL’s immense success and its role in promoting Pakistan’s cricketing prowess on the global stage.
The packed crowd, vibrant discussions, and the collective pride of players and legends confirmed that PSL is not just a league but a symbol of Pakistan’s growing influence in the international cricketing community.
