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Navigating the cutthroat world of franchise T20 leagues is no easy feat, and claiming glory in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is an even rarer achievement. While several cricketers shine in one league, only a select few have managed to lift the trophy in both, showcasing adaptability, skill, and consistency on a global stage. These players have not only conquered two of the biggest T20 tournaments but have also proven their worth across different cultures, conditions, and franchises.
Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The IPL is the richest and most-watched T20 league globally. It showcases top-tier international and Indian talent in a high-stakes environment. The league has revolutionized cricket with its glamour, innovation, and competitiveness. It serves as a platform for young Indian players to gain exposure and rub shoulders with legends. IPL franchises have become global brands, promoting financial growth and cricket diplomacy. Its influence extends beyond sport, becoming a massive cultural and commercial phenomenon.
The PSL is a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing resurgence. It has brought international cricket back to Pakistan after years of security setbacks. PSL provides a vital platform for emerging local talent to shine on a global stage. It has enhanced the T20 format in Pakistan with strategic gameplay and strong bowling attacks. Several players from PSL have graduated to become national stars and global assets. The league has united fans and players, fostering national pride and cricketing revival.
Cricketers who have lifted both IPL and PSL trophies
1. Sohail Tanvir – Pakistan’s early T20 trailblazer
- IPL Champion: Rajasthan Royals (2008)
- PSL Champion: Quetta Gladiators (2019), Multan Sultans (2021)
Sohail Tanvir was one of the original trailblazers from Pakistan in the IPL. His unorthodox left-arm action and wicket-taking ability helped Rajasthan Royals win the inaugural IPL in 2008. Years later, he continued his winning ways in the PSL, lifting titles with Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans. Tanvir remains a rare Pakistani cricketer with an IPL title to his name, making his dual-league success all the more impressive.
2. Shane Watson – The T20 warhorse
- IPL Champion: Rajasthan Royals (2008), Chennai Super Kings (2018)
- PSL Champion: Islamabad United (2016), Quetta Gladiators (2019)
Shane Watson‘s T20 legacy is defined by big-match performances and consistent excellence. A key player in Rajasthan Royals’ maiden IPL title in 2008, Watson later replicated that success with CSK in 2018. In the PSL, he first lifted the trophy with Islamabad United in 2016, and again starred for Quetta Gladiators in their 2019 triumph. His versatility with both bat and ball made him a vital asset across franchises.
3. Dwayne Bravo – The eternal champion
- IPL Champion: Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021)
- PSL Champion: Quetta Gladiators (2019)
Known for his death bowling and electric energy, Dwayne Bravo is synonymous with success in T20 cricket. As a CSK mainstay, he was instrumental in their title wins, especially in 2018 and 2021. His PSL success came with Gladiators in 2019, adding another feather to his already decorated T20 career. Bravo’s ability to deliver under pressure defines his legacy as a global franchise cricket icon.
4. Andre Russell – The powerhouse all-rounder
- IPL Champion: Kolkata Knight Riders (2014)
- PSL Champion: Islamabad United (2016, 2018)
Andre Russell’s explosive power and bowling utility make him one of the most feared T20 players. He was a key force in KKR’s 2014 IPL title run and mirrored that impact in the PSL, helping Islamabad United to two titles in 2016 and 2018. Russell’s match-winning potential on both batting and bowling fronts has helped him thrive across leagues.
5. Rashid Khan – The global T20 maestro
- IPL Champion: Gujarat Titans (2022)
- PSL Champion: Lahore Qalandars (2022, 2023)
Rashid Khan‘s rapid rise in T20 cricket has made him a household name across the globe. His role in Gujarat Titans’ fairytale IPL debut title in 2022 was vital. Simultaneously, he powered Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 with his economical and wicket-taking spells. Rashid’s ability to adapt across conditions and dominate with the ball cements his status as the ultimate T20 superstar.
6. Sherfane Rutherford – Young gun with instant impact
- IPL Champion: Mumbai Indians (2020)
- PSL Champion: Karachi Kings (2020)
West Indies all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford achieved the rare feat of winning both leagues in the same year – 2020. He was part of the champion squads of Mumbai Indians in the IPL and Karachi Kings in the PSL, highlighting his growing reputation as a reliable T20 asset.
Also READ: Here is the massive difference between IPL and PSL winning prize
7. Dwayne Smith – A veteran of the format
- IPL Champion: Mumbai Indians (2013)
- PSL Champion: Quetta Gladiators (2019)
Known for his explosive starts at the top, Dwayne Smith was a key contributor to Mumbai Indians’ 2013 triumph. He later added a PSL title to his name with Quetta Gladiators in 2019, showcasing his longevity in the shortest format.
8. Shakib Al Hasan – Bangladesh’s T20 icon
- IPL Champion: Kolkata Knight Riders (2012, 2014)
- PSL Champion: Peshawar Zalmi (2017)
Arguably one of the best T20 all-rounders in the world, Shakib Al Hasan was part of KKR’s golden era, winning the IPL twice. In the PSL, he added another trophy to his cabinet with Peshawar Zalmi in 2017, further underlining his versatility across leagues.
9. Eoin Morgan – England’s World Cup hero
- IPL Champion: Kolkata Knight Riders (2012), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016)
- PSL Champion: Peshawar Zalmi (2017)
England’s white-ball legend Eoin Morgan tasted IPL success twice – first with KKR in 2012 and later with SRH in 2016. He was also part of the Peshawar Zalmi squad that clinched the PSL title in 2017, making him one of the rare England player with titles in both leagues.
10. Imran Tahir – The celebratory spinner
- IPL Champion: Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021)
- PSL Champion: Multan Sultans (2021)
South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir was instrumental in CSK’s IPL campaigns and also helped Multan Sultans secure their maiden PSL title in 2021. His experience and relentless energy made him a key component in both victorious squads.
11. Kamran Akmal – Pakistan’s IPL pioneer
- IPL Champion: Rajasthan Royals (2008)
- PSL Champion: Peshawar Zalmi (2017)
Wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal is among the very few Pakistani players to win an IPL title, being part of the historic Rajasthan Royals squad in 2008. He later lifted the PSL trophy with Peshawar Zalmi in 2017, adding to his decorated domestic T20 career.
12. Sunil Narine – The mystery spinner
- IPL Champion: Kolkata Knight Riders (2012, 2014)
- PSL Champion: Quetta Gladiators (2019)
Sunil Narine has long been a match-winner for KKR, playing a major role in their twin IPL titles. In the PSL, he was part of the Quetta Gladiators’ championship-winning campaign in 2019. His mystery spin continues to baffle batters across continents.
