Top 10 Highest Wicket-Takers in PSL History (2016–2026)

In the world of T20 cricket, there is a common saying: "Batters win you matches, but bowlers win you tournaments." Nowhere is this truer than in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL). Often regarded as the toughest league for batters due to the high quality of bowling, the PSL has been a "fast-bowling factory" for a decade.From the searing yorkers of Shaheen Afridi to the crafty leg-spin of Shadab Khan, the journey from 2016 to 2026 has produced some of the most iconic bowling performances in cricket history. As we celebrate the 11th edition of the league, we look back at the Top 10 bowlers who have dominated the wickets tally.

1. Hasan Ali: The Generator of Wickets

Wickets: 125 | Matches: 92 | Innings: 91 | Average: 22.62 | Economy: 8.14
Teams: Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Karachi Kings
Best Figures: 4/15

Hasan Ali sits at the pinnacle of PSL bowling history. Known for his iconic "Generator" celebration, Hasan’s peak years with Peshawar Zalmi (2017–2019) were legendary. He is a master of the old ball, using reverse swing and deceptive slower ones to dismantle middle orders. His 25-wicket haul in 2019 remains the gold standard for a single season performance. Even as he moved franchises, his knack for picking up "clutch" wickets stayed intact.

2. Shaheen Shah Afridi: The First-Over Assassin

Wickets: 122 | Matches: 84 | Innings: 84 | Average: 20.31 | Economy: 7.97
Team: Lahore Qalandars
Best Figures: 5/4

If there is one sight that defines the PSL, it is Shaheen Afridi sprinting in to bowl the first over. Shaheen has made a habit of taking wickets in his very first over, setting the tone for Lahore Qalandars' dominance. As the youngest captain to win back-to-back titles, he has led from the front with the ball. His career average of 20.31 is the best among the top five, proving that he isn't just a wicket-taker, but a highly efficient one.

3. Wahab Riaz: The Veteran Workhorse

Wickets: 113 | Matches: 88 | Innings: 87 | Average: 22.68 | Economy: 7.79
Teams: Peshawar Zalmi
Best Figures: 4/17

For the first eight seasons, Wahab Riaz was the face of the PSL bowling charts. A loyal servant of Peshawar Zalmi, Wahab’s pace and aggression made him a nightmare for overseas batters. Whether it was defending 10 runs in the final over or bowling a fiery spell of short-pitched deliveries, Wahab was the go-to man. Although he retired from the league in 2024, his legacy as the first bowler to cross the 100-wicket mark remains etched in history.

4. Shadab Khan: The Spin Wizard

Wickets: 105 | Matches: 94 | Innings: 93 | Average: 24.26 | Economy: 7.62
Team: Islamabad United
Best Figures: 5/28

The first spinner to enter the "100-Wicket Club," Shadab Khan is the heart of Islamabad United. His leg-spin is a masterclass in variation—googlies, flippers, and traditional leg-breaks. What makes Shadab special is his bravery; he is never afraid to get hit for a six if it means enticing the batter into a mistake. His economy rate of 7.62 is incredible considering he often bowls in the high-scoring mid-overs.

5. Faheem Ashraf: The Golden Arm

Wickets: 95 | Matches: 84 | Innings: 82 | Average: 24.13 | Economy: 8.75
Team: Islamabad United
Best Figures: 6/19

Faheem Ashraf is the ultimate utility bowler. While he might not have the raw pace of Shaheen or the turn of Shadab, he has a "Golden Arm" for breaking partnerships. He holds the record for the best individual bowling figures in PSL history (6/19). Faheem excels at bowling tight lines and using the seam to find movement on flat decks, making him an indispensable part of the United core.

6. Mohammad Amir: The Swing Specialist

Wickets: 86 | Matches: 84 | Innings: 83 | Average: 27.00 | Economy: 8.00
Teams: Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators
Best Figures: 4/25

Mohammad Amir’s career in the PSL has been a masterclass in skill over speed. From taking a hat-trick in the very first edition in 2016 to becoming a death-overs specialist for Quetta, Amir’s ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers is second to none. His rivalry with top batters like Babar Azam has provided some of the most viewed moments in league history.

7. Haris Rauf: The Tape-Ball Sensation

Wickets: 83 | Matches: 70 | Innings: 69 | Average: 29.54 | Economy: 9.06
Team: Lahore Qalandars
Best Figures: 4/23

Discovered through a talent hunt, Haris Rauf is the "speed merchant" of the PSL. Bowling consistently at 145kmph+, Haris is a middle-over enforcer. While his economy can be on the higher side, his ability to bounce out world-class batters or shatter stumps with a quick yorker makes him a captain’s dream in the death overs.

8. Imad Wasim: The Powerplay Stopper

Wickets: 77 | Matches: 101 | Innings: 98 | Average: 31.57 | Economy: 7.00
Teams: Karachi Kings, Islamabad United
Best Figures: 5/23

Imad Wasim is the most unique bowler on this list. He rarely turns the ball, yet he has the best economy rate (7.00) among all top wicket-takers. Imad’s strength lies in bowling the difficult overs the Powerplay. By darting the ball into the pads and restricting room, he forces batters into errors. His 5-wicket haul in the 2024 final remains one of the most impactful spells in tournament history.

9. Mohammad Nawaz: The Quetta Stalwart

Wickets: 74 | Matches: 88 | Innings: 85 | Average: 28.65 | Economy: 8.00
Teams: Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings
Best Figures: 4/13

Mohammad Nawaz was the silent operator for the Quetta Gladiators for nearly a decade. A smart left-arm spinner, Nawaz excels at reading the batter's mind. His ability to bowl at any stage of the game—opening the bowling or finishing the 20th over—makes him a tactical jewel. He has often been the man to provide the breakthrough when the pace bowlers failed.

10. Usama Mir: The Rising Star

Wickets: 63 | Matches: 51 | Innings: 51 | Average: 21.67 | Economy: 8.29
Teams: Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans
Best Figures: 6/40

The newest entry into the all-time top 10 is Usama Mir. His rise with Multan Sultans has been meteoric. In 2024 and 2025, he dominated the charts, proving that tall leg-spinners can be devastating in Pakistani conditions. With an average of 21.67, he is statistically one of the most dangerous bowlers on this list, and at his current rate, he is expected to climb into the top 5 very soon.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of PSL Bowling

As we look at this list, the diversity is striking. We have left-arm swing, right-arm express, mystery spin, and tactical left-arm orthodox. The PSL has matured from a league where pace was the only weapon to a tournament where variations and data-driven bowling plans are king.With the PSL 11 (2026) expansion to eight teams, these bowlers face a new challenge: longer seasons and more matches. Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi are in a direct race for the #1 spot, and with Usama Mir rising fast, the record books are likely to be rewritten by the end of 2026.