Once Gladiators, Now Ghosts? Tracking Quetta’s Vanishing Act After 2019

If there was ever a franchise that caught the imagination of PSL fans in its early years, it was the Quetta Gladiators. They did not just enter the league—they blasted into it with panache, fortitude, and a fighting spirit that had cricket romantics chuckling to themselves with approval. There was a twist in the tale, however: while Quetta reached the final three times from 2016 to 2019, they only lifted the trophy on one occasion. So what happened? Were they victims of inconsistent performances or better-managed sides? Let’s reflect like we are in a post-match team meeting, not with horrid pats on the back.

Quetta’s Fast-Track Entry into PSL Glory

When the first PSL launched in 2016, there were not too many taking Quetta Gladiators seriously in their expected foray to the finals. Thanks to Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership and Moin Khan’s coaching, the Gladiators excelled beyond expectations to get to back-back finals in 2016 and 2017 – it wasn’t a one-off success, it was a statement that Quetta were a contender.

Outside of some Emerging Pakistani talent, the Gladiators had a good mix of players with energy, with the example of Kevin Pietersen, Rilee Rossouw, and Shane Watson in their stable. Players like Mohammad Nawaz, Anwar Ali, and Ahmed Shehzad were rejuvenated with local credentials, coupled with the bravado of the international players – it was a good mix. In 2016 and 2017, Quetta brought the fire—but found their title hopes smothered by cooler heads in red and yellow.

However, the 2019 PSL was a different story, where the Gladiators won their first title in only their 4th year as a franchise by beating Peshawar Zalmi by eight wickets; a stroll in the park after Watson and Shehzad dismantled Zalmi’s bowling attack, while the bowling attack put together an impressive disciplined performance in restricting Zalmi’s innings. Finally, a taste of victory for the Gladiators, but this also signals the end of the finals story.

The Stats Don’t Lie: A Team That Peaked Too Soon?

Between 2016 to 2019, Quetta played three PSL finals: they won one, lost two, and had no ties or no results. Quetta’s win/loss ratio? A sensation 0.500. That’s a coin-flip record—literally.

For all three finals, Quetta’s batting averages were 21.21, and they scored runs at a rate of 7.41 runs per over. Those are reasonable numbers, for sure, but nothing to hang your hat on as a T20 franchise. Their highest score in a final was 174, and their lowest was 90. It’s less a pattern and more a patchwork quilt stitched with chaos. And in T20s, inconsistency is as welcome as a dropped catch with 10 runs needed in the last over.

The Post-Glory Hangover: What Went Wrong After 2019?

We can say this simply – The Quetta Gladiators haven’t had a nice time since their successful season in 2019. Playoff appearances have disappeared from the team like a Karachi pitch does in the middle of May with no rain and only a couple of cricket days remaining. They have looked uncomfortable in their skin every season. They have attempted a couple of enormous rebuilds, while their overseas acquisitions have had a mixed impact, and their previously feared bowling unit has not been the same number on their opponents.

Some have suggested Quetta’s commitment to certain players/staff has been enviable and has even stifled them. I mean, commitment is a good thing to sustain a son and a coach, meanwhile you cannot adjust to the times pertaining to T20 cricket? Quetta – they have gone backwards since their title in 2017.

And perhaps that’s the heart of it—the team that once dared to dream big now seems afraid to rebuild from scratch.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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