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The much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is set to begin on April 11, with a thrilling opening encounter between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars. Fans can expect fireworks right from the start as two of the league’s most successful franchises lock horns at what promises to be a high-octane clash.
Double round-robin format returns
In this 10th edition of the PSL, the league stage will follow a double round-robin format, meaning each of the six participating teams will play 10 matches — facing every other side twice. With stakes higher than ever and fierce rivalries heating up, every point will be crucial in the race to the top four.
Playoffs scheduled from May 13 to 18
After the conclusion of the league stage, the top four teams on the PSL Points Table will progress to the Playoffs, which will be held from May 13 to May 18. The playoffs will follow the usual format — Qualifier, Eliminators, and Final — to determine the champion of PSL 2025.
Lahore Qalandars eye third title
After a mixed run in PSL 2024, Lahore Qalandars enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose and a well-balanced squad. Led by charismatic pacer Shaheen Afridi, the two-time champions will look to bounce back strongly and reclaim their dominance. The franchise will be aiming not just for a playoff spot, but a serious push toward their third PSL title.
Also READ: PCB unveils complete schedule for PSL 2025; Islamabad United to face Lahore Qalandars in the opener
Best playing XI of Lahore Qalandars for the PSL 2025
1. Fakhar Zaman
- Role: Left-hand opening batter
- Strength: Power-hitting in the powerplay, fearless strokeplay
- Expectation: Fakhar is expected to provide explosive starts by attacking the opposition bowlers from ball one. His role is to set the tone of the innings, take advantage of fielding restrictions, and score quick runs to ease pressure on the middle order. A quick-fire 40 or 50 from him can tilt the momentum early in Qalandars’ favour.
2. Kusal Perera (wk)
- Role: Left-hand batter, wicketkeeper
- Strength: Aggressive batting, excellent against spin, wicketkeeping experience
- Expectation: Kusal is expected to complement Fakhar at the top, especially on slower tracks where spin plays a big role. His job is to stabilize the innings if early wickets fall and rotate the strike effectively. With the gloves, he brings energy and assurance behind the stumps, helping marshal the field with Shaheen.
3. Abdullah Shafique
- Role: Right-hand batter
- Strength: Elegant technique, temperament under pressure
- Expectation: Abdullah is expected to anchor the innings during the middle overs, play long innings, and hold one end when others play aggressively. He can shift gears when needed and is crucial during run chases or setting a platform after early wickets.
4. Daryl Mitchell
- Role: Right-hand batter, part-time medium pacer
- Strength: Versatility, calm under pressure, smart cricketing brain
- Expectation: Mitchell is the glue of the middle order. He’s expected to adapt his game based on the situation — whether that means rebuilding after a collapse or finishing an innings strong. His part-time bowling can be handy for a couple of overs, especially against right-heavy lineups.
5. Sikandar Raza
- Role: Right-hand batter, off-spin all-rounder
- Strength: Match-winning ability in both departments, strong temperament
- Expectation: Raza is a complete T20 package. He’s expected to chip in with economical spells, especially during the middle overs, and break crucial partnerships. With the bat, he can be the finisher or the rescuer. His experience and calmness under pressure will be vital in crunch situations.
6. David Wiese
- Role: Right-hand batter, pace-bowling all-rounder
- Strength: Powerful hitter, death-over specialist
- Expectation: Wiese is expected to unleash big hits in the final overs, helping Lahore post or chase down imposing totals. His bowling at the death — full of slower balls, yorkers, and clever variations — will be crucial in tight matches. He also adds immense value as a mentor-like presence in high-pressure games.
7. Asif Ali
- Role: Right-hand power-hitter
- Strength: Explosive finishing, quick acceleration
- Expectation: Asif’s role is clear — come in during the last 4–5 overs and go berserk. He’s expected to clear boundaries consistently and change the game in a matter of deliveries. Even a 20 off 10 balls from him could be a game-changer in T20s.
8. Shaheen Afridi (c)
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strength: New-ball swing, toe-crushing yorkers, leadership skills
- Expectation: Shaheen is the heartbeat of Lahore’s bowling attack. He’s expected to strike early in the powerplay, dismiss top-order batters, and return at the death to clean up. As captain, he’ll also be responsible for field placements, motivating the team, and making bold calls under pressure.
9. Haris Rauf
- Role: Right-arm fast bowler
- Strength: Raw pace, aggression, effective at death
- Expectation: Rauf is expected to be the strike weapon, especially in the middle and final overs. His raw speed and bounce can unsettle batters and break partnerships. The team will expect him to take crucial wickets and bowl fiery overs that restrict scoring.
10. Zaman Khan
- Role: Right-arm slingy fast bowler
- Strength: Unorthodox action, accurate yorkers, death-over specialist
- Expectation: Zaman will be the go-to bowler in the last 2-3 overs. He’s expected to nail yorkers under pressure and maintain a low economy in crunch moments. His unique bowling style makes him difficult to pick, and the team expects him to deliver in tight finishes.
11. Asif Afridi
- Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner
- Strength: Tight lines, wicket-to-wicket bowling
- Expectation: Afridi is expected to control the middle overs with his economical spells. On spin-friendly pitches, he’ll be expected to break partnerships and not allow batters to dominate. His variations and calmness will be useful in slowing down the scoring rate.
