The Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans rivalry is one of the most competitive in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), with Multan Sultans holding a slight edge with 10 wins compared to Lahore Qalandars’ 9 wins in their 19 head-to-head encounters. This rivalry reached its peak during the 2022 and 2023 seasons when both teams faced each other in consecutive finals, with Lahore Qalandars emerging victorious on both occasions to secure back-to-back titles. As of 2026, both franchises remain at the top tier of the league, featuring elite talent like Shaheen Shah Afridi for Lahore and Mohammad Rizwan for Multan, making every match a high-stakes battle for provincial pride and league dominance.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore the statistical breakdown of their encounters, iconic individual performances, stadium history at Gaddafi and Multan Cricket Stadium, and what to expect for the upcoming 2026 PSL season. Whether you are looking for historical scorecards or practical match-day tips, this article provides the deep, authoritative insight every cricket fan needs.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
The overall record between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans is nearly balanced, reflecting the high quality of both squads over the years. Out of the 19 matches played through the end of the 2025 season, Multan Sultans have secured 10 victories, while Lahore Qalandars have claimed 9.
This head-to-head battle is notable for its lack of stalemates; every game has produced a definitive result. The narrow margin in wins highlights how closely these two teams are matched in terms of tactical depth and individual star power.
Performance in PSL Finals
The most significant chapters of this rivalry were written in the 2022 and 2023 PSL finals. In 2022, Lahore Qalandars defeated Multan Sultans by 42 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium to win their first-ever title, breaking a years-long drought.
The 2023 final is widely considered the greatest match in PSL history, where Lahore Qalandars defended their title by a mere 1 run. These back-to-back final appearances solidified the fixture as a “modern classic” in Pakistani domestic cricket.
Key Players: Lahore Qalandars
Shaheen Shah Afridi is the undisputed heartbeat of the Lahore Qalandars, serving as both their lead strike bowler and captain. His ability to take wickets in the first over has frequently dismantled the Multan Sultans’ top order in crucial games.
Fakhar Zaman remains the leading run-scorer for the Qalandars in this fixture, often providing the explosive starts necessary to challenge Multan’s disciplined bowling. His aggressive approach at the top of the order is a key tactical advantage for Lahore.
Key Players: Multan Sultans
Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of Multan Sultans, is the most consistent performer in this rivalry, often anchoring the innings with his clinical batting. His leadership and wicket-keeping skills have been instrumental in Multan’s rise to becoming a perennial playoff contender.
Usama Mir has emerged as a major threat for Multan, specifically in the middle overs where his leg-spin often breaks crucial partnerships. In the 2024 season, he recorded some of the best bowling figures in the rivalry, stifling Lahore’s power hitters.
Recent Match Results (2024-2025)
The 2025 season saw Multan Sultans regain some ground, winning Match 12 by 33 runs behind a blistering 87-run knock from Yasir Khan. However, Lahore Qalandars struck back later in the season, winning their second encounter by 5 wickets in a tense chase at Gaddafi Stadium.
In the 2024 season, Multan Sultans dominated the group stages against Lahore, including a significant 5-wicket win in Multan. These recent results suggest that while Lahore has the “big game” edge in finals, Multan has been more consistent in the regular league format.
Batting Statistics and Records
Fakhar Zaman holds the record for the most runs in this specific head-to-head fixture, with over 700 runs accumulated across multiple seasons. His strike rate against Multan’s pace attack is among the highest for any batter in the league.
On the Multan side, Mohammad Rizwan has crossed the 500-run mark against Lahore, characterized by high-average, low-risk batting. The highest team total in this rivalry belongs to Multan Sultans, who posted 228/5 during their 2025 encounter.
Bowling Statistics and Records
Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the wicket-taking charts in this rivalry, having claimed 34 wickets against the Sultans. His dual-threat capability with the new ball and at the death makes him the most feared bowler for Multan’s batting unit.
For Multan, the standout bowling performance came from Usama Mir, who took 6/40 in a single match—the best individual bowling figures in the history of this fixture. This record-breaking spell highlighted the vulnerability of Lahore’s middle order to quality spin.
Iconic Moments and Controversies
The 1-run victory for Lahore in the 2023 final remains the most talked-about moment, featuring a frantic final over that saw Multan fall just short of the target. The atmosphere in Lahore during that match is often cited by players as the most intense they have ever experienced.
Other notable moments include Kieron Pollard’s power-hitting displays for Multan and Haris Rauf’s high-velocity spells for Lahore. The rivalry is generally played in good spirit, though the tactical battles between coaches Andy Flower (formerly Multan) and Aaqib Javed (Lahore) often made headlines.
Venue Analysis: Gaddafi Stadium
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore serves as the home fortress for the Qalandars and has hosted the majority of their high-profile wins against Multan. The pitch typically favors stroke play early on but can become slower as the game progresses, aiding spinners like Rashid Khan.
Attendance at Gaddafi for this fixture regularly hits 100% capacity, creating a “sea of green” that provides a significant psychological boost to the home side. The stadium’s modern floodlights and renovated stands make it a premier venue for T20 cricket.
Venue Analysis: Multan Cricket Stadium
Multan Cricket Stadium is known for its passionate crowd and high-scoring matches. The heat in Multan often plays a role in player fatigue, making physical fitness a deciding factor in afternoon or early evening starts.
The Sultans have a formidable record at home, using the local conditions to their advantage. The pitch here often offers a bit more bounce than Lahore, which suits Multan’s tall fast-bowling contingent.
Tactical Battles: Pace vs Spin
The tactical blueprint of Lahore Qalandars is built around “raw pace,” utilizing the trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan. This strategy aims to blow away the opposition before they can settle, a tactic that has had varying success against Rizwan’s stable approach.
Multan Sultans, conversely, often rely on a more balanced “match-up” based approach. They utilize analytical data to deploy spinners against specific batters, often successfully neutralizing Lahore’s aggressive middle order through the guile of bowlers like Usama Mir.
The 2026 PSL Season Preview
For the 2026 season, both teams have undergone minor squad rebalancing through the draft. Lahore Qalandars have focused on bolstering their middle-order hitting, while Multan Sultans have added more international depth to their bowling reserves.
With the league expanding and new rivalries forming, the Lahore-Multan clash remains the “gold standard” for quality. Fans can expect at least two group-stage matches between these giants, with a high probability of another playoff meeting.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend a Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans match in 2026, here are the essential details:
- Dates: The PSL typically runs from February to March. Check the official 2026 schedule for specific match dates.
- Prices/Costs: Ticket prices generally range from PKR 500 for general enclosures to PKR 15,000 for hospitality boxes and VVIP seats.
- How to get there: * Gaddafi Stadium: Located in Gulberg, Lahore. Use ride-sharing apps like Bykea or Uber, or local buses to the Liberty roundabout.
- Multan Stadium: Situated on Vehari Road. Dedicated shuttle services are usually provided from designated parking points.
- What to expect: High security checks are standard; arrive at least 2 hours before the first ball. Expect loud music, celebrity appearances, and intense crowd energy.
- Tips for visitors: Bring a power bank for your phone, stay hydrated, and wear your team colors. Avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items like power banks or umbrellas, as they may be confiscated at the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches, Lahore or Multan?
As of the 2025 season, Multan Sultans lead the head-to-head record with 10 wins, compared to Lahore Qalandars’ 9 wins.
Which team won the 2023 PSL Final?
Lahore Qalandars won the 2023 PSL Final by 1 run in a thrilling finish against Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium.
Who will be the captain of Lahore Qalandars in 2026?
Shaheen Shah Afridi continues to lead the Lahore Qalandars, a role he has held since the 2022 season.
Who is the highest run-scorer in this rivalry?
Fakhar Zaman of Lahore Qalandars is the leading run-scorer in matches between these two teams.
What is the highest team total in a Lahore vs Multan match?
Multan Sultans hold the record for the highest team total, scoring 228/5 in the 2025 season.
What are the best bowling figures in this fixture?
Usama Mir of Multan Sultans holds the record with figures of 6/40, achieved during a high-stakes encounter.
Can I buy tickets for PSL 2026 online?
Yes, tickets are primarily sold through official partners like Bookme.pk or psl-t20.com once the schedule is announced.
Where is the 2026 PSL Final expected to be held?
While not yet finalized, the final typically rotates between Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Karachi’s National Stadium.
How many PSL titles do Lahore Qalandars have?
Lahore Qalandars have won three titles (2022, 2023, and 2025), making them the most successful team alongside Islamabad United.
How many PSL titles do Multan Sultans have?
Multan Sultans have won one PSL title, secured in 2021 by defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final.
Final Thoughts
As the Pakistan Super League enters its second decade in 2026, the Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans rivalry, famously known as the “Punjab Derby,” continues to define the league’s competitive spirit. The expansion of the PSL to an eight-team tournament in 2026, including new entries like Sialkot Stallionz and Kingsmen Hyderabad, has only intensified the pressure on these two established powerhouses to maintain their dominance. With the 2026 season scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, fans are preparing for the longest and most physically demanding tournament in the league’s history.
For Lahore, the focus remains on their pace-heavy identity and the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, while Multan moves into a new era under the direct administration of the PCB following ownership transitions in late 2025. This structural shift for the Sultans adds an intriguing layer of unpredictability to their 2026 campaign, yet the core of their squad—built on data-driven match-ups and Mohammad Rizwan’s stability—remains a formidable obstacle for any opponent.
For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features:
Vitor Reis: The Complete Scouting Report and Career Guide
Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Stats: The Ultimate Big Bash Rivalry Guide
Read More on Devon Buzz