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As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 kicks off on April 11, the Quetta Gladiators are gearing up for a fresh start with Saud Shakeel appointed as captain. The left-handed Pakistani batter will lead a revamped side that aims to turn its fortunes around after inconsistent performances in the past few seasons.
PSL 2025: Format and opening match
The tournament begins with a high-profile clash between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars. The league stage will be played in a double round-robin format, with each of the six teams playing 10 matches — facing every opponent twice.
Following the group stage, the top four teams on the PSL Points Table will progress to the Playoffs, which are scheduled from May 13 to May 18. Notably, the Gladiators will take on Peshawar Zalmi in their opening fixture.
Quetta Gladiators: New captain, new energy
Quetta Gladiators enter PSL 2025 with renewed purpose and a leader known for his calmness and cricketing smarts. Shakeel, a rising force in Pakistan’s Test side, brings a composed mindset to a squad filled with dynamic players. His ability to lead by example with the bat and make tactically sound decisions will be pivotal.
The Gladiators boast an exciting mix of explosive international stars and promising local talent. Finn Allen provides fire at the top, while seasoned pros like Rilee Rossouw and Kusal Mendis offer middle-order reliability. The spin department, led by Abrar Ahmad and Akeal Hosein, brings a dangerous edge on slow tracks.
Best playing XI of Quetta Gladiators for the PSL 2025
1. Finn Allen
- Role: Right-hand opening batter
- Strength: Powerplay striker, fearless intent
- Expectation: Allen is expected to provide flying starts and take full advantage of the field restrictions. His ability to hit over the infield and dismantle pace attacks early on makes him the tone-setter. A couple of explosive 30–40 run knocks at high strike rate can change the course of the match within the first six overs.
2. Saud Shakeel (c)
- Role: Left-hand top-order batter
- Strength: Control and consistency
- Expectation: Saud’s job is to play second fiddle to aggressive batters like Allen. He will stabilize the innings and ensure the team doesn’t suffer a collapse. He’s expected to play anchoring knocks, rotate strike efficiently, and bat through to the 15th over if needed.
3. Rilee Rossouw
- Role: Left-hand middle-order batter
- Strength: Fast scoring in middle overs, game awareness
- Expectation: Rossouw is a match-winner who can handle pressure and finish games. As captain, he’s expected to lead with intent, inject momentum during the middle overs, and convert starts into impactful 40+ scores. His leadership and calm approach in crunch situations will be critical.
4. Khawaja Nafay
- Role: Right-hand batter
- Strength: Solid technique, quick hands
- Expectation: As the required uncapped player, Nafay will have the chance to prove his mettle on the big stage. He’s expected to play confidently and rotate strike in the middle overs, with occasional big hits. A breakout performance from him could boost Quetta’s campaign and his own career.
Also READ: PSL 2025: Best playing XI of Peshawar Zalmi ft. Babar Azam
5. Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Role: Right-hand batter, wicketkeeper
- Strength: Versatile stroke-play, quick reflexes behind stumps
- Expectation: Batting in the middle-order, Mendis will be expected to stabilize when needed or explode when the platform is set. His adaptability across situations is key. Behind the stumps, he will be responsible for maintaining sharpness and assisting spinners like Abrar Ahmad.
6. Faheem Ashraf
- Role: Left-hand batter, right-arm pace all-rounder
- Strength: Lower-order hitter, utility bowler
- Expectation: Faheem adds depth to both departments. He’s expected to contribute quick-fire 20s and 30s in the death overs and bowl a couple of overs either in the middle or end. He may also be used tactically as a bowling option when wickets are desperately needed.
7. Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Role: Right-arm fast-bowling all-rounder
- Strength: Skiddy pace, confident finisher
- Expectation: Wasim Jr. is expected to play the role of an enforcer. He can bowl at any stage of the innings and deliver breakthroughs. With the bat, he’s more than capable of clearing the fence and can be a match-winner in tight chases.
8. Akeal Hosein
- Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner
- Strength: Powerplay bowling, economy
- Expectation: Akeal’s main role is to bowl tight overs in the powerplay or middle and build pressure. His ability to bowl to both right and left-handers effectively gives the captain more flexibility. A few early wickets or a 4-over spell under 6 RPO would be considered success.
9. Mohammad Amir
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strength: New ball swing, death-over specialist
- Expectation: Amir will lead the bowling attack and is expected to make early inroads. His experience and control will also be vital at the death. He’s likely to bowl 2 upfront and 2 in the final 5 overs, where his cutters and yorkers can dictate outcomes.
10. Abrar Ahmad
- Role: Right-arm mystery spinner
- Strength: Wicket-taker in middle overs
- Expectation: Abrar’s role is to pick wickets in the middle phase and prevent teams from settling. He’s expected to break partnerships and apply pressure. If he gets conditions to turn, he could run through sides and be a game-changer on slow tracks.
11. Mohammad Zeeshan
- Role: Right-arm fast bowler
- Strength: Height and bounce
- Expectation: Zeeshan brings raw pace and bounce into the lineup. As a local youngster, he’s expected to bowl with intensity and aggression. If used correctly as a first-change or death-over bowler, he could surprise many batters with his bounce and accuracy.
