top 10 Most Runs in PSL History (2016-2025): Full List

Since its inception in the desert sands of the UAE in 2016 to the packed, roaring stadiums of Multan, Rawalpindi, and Lahore in 2025, the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has evolved into one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world. While the league is often celebrated for its "fast-bowling factory," it is the batters who have provided the heartbeat of the entertainment.
Over the last ten seasons, we have witnessed the rise of modern-day legends, the resurgence of veterans, and the emergence of power-hitters who have redefined the limits of the game. As we stand on the cusp of the expanded PSL 11 (2026), we take a look back at the Top 10 highest run-scorers who have defined the first decade of the PSL.
1. Babar Azam: The Undisputed King of Consistency
- Runs: 3,792 | Matches: 100 | Innings: 98 | H.S: 111*
- Average: 44.61 | Strike Rate: 127.50
- Teams: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi
There is no conversation about PSL batting without mentioning Babar Azam. He isn’t just at the top of the list; he is in a league of his own. Babar is the only player to have crossed the 3,500-run mark, a testament to his incredible longevity and fitness.
Whether he was anchoring the innings for Karachi Kings or leading the charge for Peshawar Zalmi, Babar’s cover drive has become the unofficial trademark of the league. Critics often point to his strike rate, but his ability to guarantee 400+ runs every single season is what makes him the most valuable asset in the tournament's history. He currently holds the record for the most half-centuries (36) in the league.
2. Fakhar Zaman: The Fearless "Malang" of Lahore
- Runs: 2,964 | Matches: 97 | Innings: 97 | H.S: 115
- Average: 30.87 | Strike Rate: 142.02
- Team: Lahore Qalandars
If Babar Azam is the anchor, Fakhar Zaman is the storm. Representing the Lahore Qalandars since the early days of their struggles, Fakhar was instrumental in their "zero to hero" journey. He is the ultimate match-winner; when Fakhar stays at the crease for more than 10 overs, the opposition usually loses the game.
Fakhar holds the record for the most sixes in PSL history (128). His 2022 season, where he scored nearly 600 runs, remains one of the most dominant individual campaigns ever seen in franchise cricket.
3. Mohammad Rizwan: The Warrior from Multan
- Runs: 2,770 | Matches: 93 | Innings: 82 | H.S: 110*
- Average: 42.61 | Strike Rate: 128.95
- Teams: Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans
Mohammad Rizwan’s PSL career is a story of two halves. During his time at Karachi Kings, he was often underutilized and kept on the bench. However, his move to Multan Sultans in 2021 changed the trajectory of the league.
Under his leadership and opening brilliance, Multan reached four consecutive finals (2021–2024). Rizwan is the only player who rivals Babar Azam in terms of average, proving that "proper" cricketing shots can still dominate the T20 format. His fitness and ability to run between the wickets make him a nightmare for tired bowlers in the death overs.
4. Shoaib Malik: The Evergreen Veteran
- Runs: 2,350 | Matches: 93 | Innings: 88 | H.S: 73
- Average: 33.09 | Strike Rate: 127.78
- Teams: Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi
Shoaib Malik is the definition of longevity. Having played in the very first PSL match in 2016, he remained a top-tier performer through to 2025. Malik’s greatness lies in his versatility; he can stabilize a collapse at 20-3 or finish a game with a 15-ball 30.
He has played for multiple franchises, and everywhere he went, he brought a sense of calm to the middle order. Even in his 40s, his running between the wickets and ability to manipulate spin remained among the best in the league.
5. Rilee Rossouw: The Overseas Powerhouse
- Runs: 2,287 | Matches: 95 | Innings: 89 | H.S: 121
- Average: 32.21 | Strike Rate: 146.22
- Teams: Quetta Gladiators, Multan Sultans
Rilee Rossouw is arguably the greatest foreign batter to ever grace the PSL. The South African left-hander has a special love affair with Pakistani pitches. He is a "clutch" player, often performing his best in qualifiers and finals.
Rossouw holds the record for the fastest century in PSL history (off just 43 balls). His ability to hit the ball 360 degrees and his fearless approach against high-pace bowling made him the backbone of the Quetta Gladiators’ 2019 title win and Multan’s 2021 triumph.
6. Kamran Akmal: The Original Trailblazer
- Runs: 1,972 | Matches: 75 | Innings: 74 | H.S: 107*
- Average: 27.38 | Strike Rate: 136.94
- Team: Peshawar Zalmi
Before Babar and Rizwan took over, Kamran Akmal was the undisputed king of PSL batting. In the first five seasons, he was the only player who looked capable of scoring a century on any given night. He remains the first player to score three centuries in the tournament.
Kamran was the engine of Peshawar Zalmi’s top order for years, providing them with the "Zalmi Zest" that led them to the 2017 trophy. Though he retired before reaching the 2,000-run milestone, his impact on the league's early popularity was massive.
7. Mohammad Hafeez: The "Professor" of the Game
- Runs: 1,731 | Matches: 78 | Innings: 74 | H.S: 98*
- Average: 27.47 | Strike Rate: 124.44
- Teams: Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators
Mohammad Hafeez’s PSL journey was defined by intelligence. Whether it was his match-winning knock in the 2022 final for Lahore Qalandars or his steady hands for Peshawar, Hafeez knew how to read the conditions.
The "Professor" was particularly lethal against spin, often using his feet to dominate the middle overs. His contribution to the league isn't just in runs, but in the tactical experience he shared with younger players.
8. Colin Munro: The Kiwi Explosiveness
- Runs: 1,633 | Matches: 54 | Innings: 54 | H.S: 90*
- Average: 33.32 | Strike Rate: 149.81
- Teams: Karachi Kings, Islamabad United
Colin Munro brought the "New Zealand brand" of fearless T20 cricket to the PSL. As a mainstay for Islamabad United, Munro’s philosophy was simple: if it’s in the slot, it goes over the lot.
He holds one of the highest strike rates among the top run-scorers, often finishing powerplays with the team score already past 60. His partnership with Alex Hales for United is considered one of the most destructive opening duos in the history of the competition.
9. James Vince: The Elegant Destroyer
- Runs: 1,544 | Matches: 56 | Innings: 56 | H.S: 84
- Average: 29.69 | Strike Rate: 139.35
- Teams: Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings
James Vince is often described as the most aesthetic batter in the league. His silken timing and effortless shot-making made him a fan favorite. While he sometimes struggled with getting "starts" into "big scores," his impact in the first six overs was undeniable. Vince played a crucial role in providing Karachi Kings with the impetus they needed during their mid-era seasons.
10. Sarfaraz Ahmed: The Captain Courageous
- Runs: 1,525 | Matches: 86 | Innings: 73 | H.S: 81
- Average: 29.32 | Strike Rate: 122.68
- Team: Quetta Gladiators
Rounding out the top 10 is the man who led Quetta Gladiators for eight consecutive seasons. Sarfaraz Ahmed may not be a traditional "power hitter," but his ability to sweep and nudge the ball into gaps made him a very effective middle-order batter.
Sarfaraz’s runs often came in pressure situations where the Gladiators were reeling from early wickets. He remains a symbol of Quetta’s fighting spirit and is the only captain in this list to have led his team in over 80 matches.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for PSL 11?
As we look at these numbers, it’s clear that the PSL has been a platform for both local heroes and international icons to shine. With the league expanding to eight teams in 2026, many of these records are under threat. Will Babar Azam become the first player to reach 5,000 runs? Can Mohammad Rizwan overtake Fakhar Zaman for the second spot? Or will a new youngster emerge to gatecrash this prestigious top 10 list? One thing is for certain: the next decade of the HBL PSL will be even more explosive than the last.








