2018–19 Pakistan Premier League
The 2018–19 Pakistan Premier League was the 61st season of Pakistan’s top football competition and the 12th edition of the Pakistan Premier League. It ran from 25 September 2018 to 13 January 2019, with matches held in Multan, Lahore and Karachi. Sixteen teams competed, playing each other twice in a season that finished on the final day.
Champions and relegation
- Champions: Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) clinched the title on the last day by beating Sui Southern Gas 4–0, finishing level on points with Pakistan Air Force but winning on goal difference (+28 to +27).
- Relegated: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) were relegated for the first time. Baloch Nushki also went down. Additionally, Ashraf Sugar Mills and Pakistan Airlines withdrew from the league during the season, and the bottom four teams faced relegation.
Key players and teams
- Top scorer: Ansar Abbas with 15 goals.
- Best goalkeeper: Tanvir Mumtaz (KRL).
Statistics and notable results
- Matches and goals: 182 matches were played, with 398 goals scored (about 2.19 per match).
- Biggest wins (home): Pakistan Navy 6–1 Baloch Nushki; National Bank 5–0 Baloch Nushki; Pakistan Airforce 5–0 Baloch Nushki.
- Biggest away wins: Baloch Nushki 0–5 Pakistan Army; Karachi Port Trust 0–5 Pakistan Army; Afghan Chaman 0–5 Khan Research Laboratories.
- Highest-scoring games: Pakistan Navy 6–1 Baloch Nushki; Karachi Port Trust 2–5 Civil Aviation Authority; Sui Northern Gas 4–3 Afghan Chaman.
- Longest runs: Longest winning streak 5 games (KRL, Pakistan Airforce, Sui Southern Gas); longest unbeaten run 13 games (KRL); longest winless run 26 games (Baloch Nushki); longest losing run 8 games (Baloch Nushki).
- Attendance: The highest attendance reached around 15,000 in the match Khan Research Laboratories 4–0 Sui Southern Gas.
Context and controversies
This season was marked by governance turmoil. The league was organized amid disputes between two rival Pakistan Football Federation factions and faced questions over recognition by FIFA and AFC. One group started the competition, while another group completed it after an election ordered by the Supreme Court. There were promotions and relegations conducted through controversial methods, clubs withdrawing due to financial and licensing issues, and criticism of pitches, refereeing, and facilities. Despite the turmoil, the league introduced live streaming, match bonuses, and other improvements, and teams fought hard for the title and for a place in continental competition—though licensing and governance problems limited opportunities to participate in events like the AFC Cup.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 12:10 (CET).