Pakistan Super League or Retired Cricketers League?

A growing debate among cricket fans questions whether the Pakistan Super League is now becoming a league for retired players. The discussion intensified after former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen said that while every league progresses each year, PSL appears to be moving backwards.

Many fans argue that PSL is not moving backwards at all because its early years featured some of the biggest T20 names. They point out that excitement over a 41 year old Faf du Plessis returning to PSL ignores the fact that far bigger global stars played in earlier editions.

In the first season, PSL featured Shane Watson, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Samuel Badree, Brad Haddin, Kumar Sangakkara, and England’s Dawid Malan, who later became the number one T20 batsman. Malan had not even played international cricket at that time.

In the second season, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Jason Roy, and Rilee Rossouw played. At that time, Roy was considered a major name.
In the third season, Marlon Samuels, Nicholas Pooran, and Ben Duckett were part of the tournament. Over the years, AB de Villiers, Liam Livingstone, and Brendon McCullum also played. Fans note that these names were much bigger than Faf du Plessis.

Observers say PSL is now older and more established, yet recent seasons have seen players like Corbin Bosch receive a PSL deal and later move to IPL as an injury replacement. Several players also left PSL mid season due to issues, including Mitchell Owen, Kyle Jamieson, and Kusal Mendis.

This year, Moeen Ali and Faf du Plessis are confirmed. Glenn Maxwell is doubtful but expected by some fans.

Critics argue that PSL once attracted the biggest T20 superstars. Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, and AB de Villiers have all played in Pakistan. They were retired from international cricket but were still IPL level global names.

Analysts say the real strength of PSL used to be its role in identifying talent before other leagues. Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, and Tim David all gained recognition through PSL before growing into major names.

Fans urging perspective say celebrating the arrival of a 41 year old player makes PSL look smaller than it is. They believe Pakistan is a major cricket nation and should treat PSL at its true level instead of reacting to signings that were never considered extraordinary in past seasons.