RAWALPINDI: The highly anticipated HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 kicked off in thrilling fashion on Friday, with Islamabad United winning the toss and opting to bowl first against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
United’s skipper Shadab Khan made the strategic decision to field first, putting the pressure on the two-time champions Lahore to set the target.
In what promises to be a fierce rivalry, both sides enter the contest with closely matched records. Out of their 19 previous encounters in PSL history, Islamabad United leads with 10 wins, while Lahore Qalandars have claimed victory in 9.
This season, six top teams are set to battle it out not only for the prestigious trophy but also for a $500,000 winner’s prize, with the runners-up taking home $200,000.
The tournament will be played across four venues:
Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium – hosting 13 matches, including the Qualifier, Eliminator, and the grand Final on May 18.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – 11 matches.
Multan & Karachi – 5 matches each.
Playing XIs:
Lahore Qalandars:
Shaheen Afridi (Captain)
Fakhar Zaman
Abdullah Shafique
Mohammad Naeem
Daryl Mitchell
Sam Billings (Wicketkeeper)
Sikandar Raza
David Wiese
Jahandad Khan
Haris Rauf
Asif Afridi
Islamabad United:
Shadab Khan (Captain)
Andries Gous
Sahibzada Farhan
Colin Munro
Salman Agha
Azam Khan (Wicketkeeper)
Jason Holder
Muhammad Shahzad
Imad Wasim
Naseem Shah
Riley Meredith
As the curtain rises on PSL 10, fans can expect an electrifying clash to set the tone for an action-packed season.
