JOE WILLIAMS looks at the leading players from the eighth edition of the competition, won for the second straight season by Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars brought the curtain down on an exhilarating PSL season by successfully defending their title, beating Multan Sultans in a dramatic final.
The eighth edition of the competition had everything from record-breaking innings, destructive bowling performances, dust-ups and dramatic conclusions.
But who stood out on the field? Here is The Cricketer's team of the tournament...
Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans)
12 matches - 550 runs, 55.00 average, 142.86 strike rate, 13 catches, 1 stumping
The Sultans captain came agonisingly close to leading his team all the way. He consistently provided the perfect platform, finishing as the highest run scorer of the tournament with the highlight being an unbeaten 110 runs off 64 balls against Karachi Kings. The Pakistan international was equally impressive with the gloves, contributing to 14 dismissals.
Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)
13 matches, 429 runs, 33.00 average, 160.67 strike rate
In a team where the bowling talent stole the headlines, the Pakistani opening batter quietly went about his business. His 429 runs over the tournament included a top score of 115 against Islamabad United. It was the first time in PSL history that an individual's score was higher than the opposing side's entire total with United being bowled out for 107.
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi)
11 matches,522 runs, 52.20 average, 145.40 strike rate
Despite his team having inconsistent group stage, the Zalmi captain led them through to Eliminator 2 before falling to the eventual champions. The one consistent theme for Zalmi was Babar as he racked up 522 runs including a crucial 62 that saw them defeat United in Eliminator 1. His 115 against Quetta saw him become only the fifth man to bring up eight T20 centuries.
It was another fruitful season for Fakhar Zaman (ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
Rilee Rossouw (Multan Sultans)
11 games, 453 runs, 45.30 average, 171.59 strike rate
The South African's PSL8 performance showed why he continues to be sought-after across the world. He played some big innings to get the Sultans to the final and top-scored for his side with 52 as they lost out to Qalandars. He also registered the fastest century in PSL history off 41 balls, breaking his own record.
Kieron Pollard (Multan Sultans)
11 games (10 innings), 260 runs, 52.00 average, 11 catches, 3 wickets, 8.63 economy
Increasingly, dominant with the bat the West Indiandoes more for his team than stats can quantify. Pollard was solid with the bat for Sultans but perhaps his greatest impact came in the field. Alongside the three wickets he took 11 catches but once again missed out on the title.
Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings)
10 matches, 404 runs, 134.66 average, 9 wickets, 9.07 economy
A disappointing season for Karachi saw them finish second from bottom. However, there should be no argument over Wasim's place in this team. The Kings captain led from the front, hitting 404 runs as he top-scored for his team from the middle order. His left arm spin also claimed nine scalps. The season could have been very different if Wasim’s supporting cast had followed his lead.
Imad Wasim takes aim (ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)
12 matches, 19 wickets, 11.17 economy, 132 runs, 26.5 average
Coming into the tournament recovering from an injury, questions were raised as to how fit Afridi would be. But the Qalandars captain led his team to a second title in two years. The Pakistan quick was at his scintillating best at times taking 19 wickets. Big players show up in the big moments and Afridi certainly did in the final. He hit 44 runs with the bat and took four wickets in the dramatic one-run win.
Faheem Ashraf (Islamabad United)
11 matches (10 innings), 215 runs, 35.83 average, 8 wickets, 9.50 economy
The Pakistan allrounder was a consistent performer for United as they fell in the playoffs. Faheem chipped in with eight wickets over the tournament and was reliable with the bat. He starred in a crucial win over Sultans, scoring 51 and leading them over the line in the run chase.
Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars)
11 matches, 20 wickets, 8.03 economy, 73 runs, 14.60 average
Rashid was influential all season for Qalandars including in the final. The legspinner led the team with 20 wickets and played a suppressive role for his team with an economy rate of 8.03. While Afridi stole the headlines in the final, Khan was just as crucial. He stifled Sultans taking 2 wickets for 26 runs.
The rock-solid Abbas Afridi (ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
Abbas Afridi (Multan Sultans)
11 matches, 23 wickets, 9.46 economy
The fast bowler has announced himself with an incredible 23 wickets. The 21-year-old ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament ahead of teammate Ihsanullah. The highlight came as Afridi took a five-for against Gladiators.
Ihsanullah (Multan Sultans)
12 matches, 22 wickets, 7.60 economy
The player of the tournament provided blistering pace bowling and was a constant danger to the opposition with 22 wickets. While he took one less wicket than Abbas, he was more economical at 7.60. If Sultans can keep Ihsanullah and Afridi fit and together then silverware surely beckons.
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.