LAHORE: A nostalgic yet symbolic moment marked the Pakistan Super League’s 10th anniversary celebrations when Najam Sethi, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the architect behind the league’s launch, declared the PSL’s remarkable transformation over the past decade to a terrific brand.
“It’s fantastic. We started off with about four or five million dollars for five teams. That went up to eight, and now, look at the numbers you are talking about today. That is the true measure of the success of the PSL and the financial model we created. I must say, it has been a wonderful journey. I wish HBL PSL all the success in the world.”
With these words, Najam Sethi — former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and the founding force behind the Pakistan Super League — summed up a decade-long transformation that has reshaped Pakistan’s cricketing and commercial landscape.
Speaking during the PSL’s 10th anniversary celebrations, Sethi reflected on how a league that began with cautious financial commitments has grown into one of the country’s most powerful sporting brands. What was once a modest five-team project launched amid uncertainty has evolved into a thriving enterprise with soaring franchise valuations, expanded sponsorship portfolios, and significant broadcast revenues.
The moment carried symbolic weight when the interviewer referenced Sethi’s famous “Chidiya” metaphor — a term he frequently used in his journalism days to signal insider information — and asked how it felt to see that “little bird” turn into a “Shaheen” in full flight. The comparison captured the PSL’s remarkable evolution: from fragile beginnings to a confident, high-flying league commanding global attention.
When the PSL was launched in 2016, Pakistan cricket was still recovering from years of international isolation. Hosting matches abroad was a necessity rather than a choice, and skepticism surrounded the league’s long-term sustainability. Yet the financial model designed at its inception ensured steady growth, transparency in franchise rights, and incremental commercial expansion.
Over time, the PSL not only established itself as a financially viable tournament but also played a central role in restoring international cricket to Pakistan. Global players gradually returned, foreign teams toured again, and Pakistan’s image as a safe cricketing destination improved. The league also emerged as a vital talent pipeline, producing players who progressed to the national side and made an impact on the international stage.
As the league celebrates its decade milestone, Sethi’s reflections offered both nostalgia and validation. The “Chidiya to Shaheen” analogy resonated deeply — a reminder that the PSL’s journey has been defined by resilience, strategic planning, and belief during challenging times. “A decade on, the PSL stands not merely as a tournament but as Pakistan’s flagship sporting success story — soaring higher than many had imagined when the first ball was bowled.”
