Latest news with #HBLPSL2025
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Top performing players of HBL PSL X honoured
It was a night to forget for Quetta Gladiators as they fell short in the HBL PSL final against Lahore Qalandars, but the tournament belonged to young batter Hasan Nawaz, whose breakout performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award after amassing nearly 400 runs. The 22-year-old batter, who holds the record for the fastest T20 century by a Pakistani in T20Is, lived up to expectations by scoring around 399 runs in ten innings during PSL 2025, including a century and three half-centuries, while smashing 28 sixes. Although he finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament — behind Sahibzada Farhan (449) and Fakhar Zaman (439) — it was Hasan Nawaz's ability to perform under pressure, particularly his gritty 76 off 43 deliveries in the final, that earned him both the Best Batter and Player of the Tournament awards in HBL PSL 2025. But Nawaz wasn't the only young talent to shine. Lahore Qalandars unearthed another gem at the top of the order in Mohammad Naeem, following in the footsteps of Fakhar Zaman, who also rose through their ranks. After a quiet start, Naeem found his rhythm and ended the tournament with 314 runs, including three fifties, outperforming seasoned names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. His efforts were recognized with the Emerging Player of the Tournament award, marking him as one of the standout discoveries of PSL 2025. Among the bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi staged a remarkable comeback. After a quiet start to the tournament, he came alive in the crunch stages. Afridi took 10 wickets in the final four matches—including two eliminators and the final—at an average of 9.30 and an economy of 7.06. He finished as the leading wicket-taker with 19 scalps and was named Bowler of the Tournament. In the all-rounder category, Sikandar Raza produced a memorable finish. Having landed in Lahore just 10 minutes before the toss after playing for Zimbabwe in England, Raza played a match-winning cameo in the final, smashing 22 off 7 balls* to help Lahore chase down 202 with one ball to spare. He was duly named All-Rounder of the Tournament. Another highlight was Kusal Perera, who despite playing only a handful of matches, left a big impact. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter delivered one of his finest T20 innings when it mattered most, hammering 62 off 31 balls in the final and earning the Player of the Match award. Lastly, Asif Yaqoob was named Umpire of the Tournament for his consistent and composed officiating throughout PSL 2025.
Express Tribune
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Will Babar and Rizwan return to T20I squad for Bangladesh series?
Pakistan's premier white-ball duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from the T20I squad for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand earlier in the year, prompting many to wonder if they would return to the squad in the near future. According to reports, both Babar and Rizwan are unlikely to feature in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) looks set to continue its shift towards a younger, more aggressive playing group ahead of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Despite being Pakistan's all-time leading T20I run-scorers, Babar and Rizwan have not played a T20 international since December 13, 2024. While many fans had anticipated their return following the conclusion of HBL PSL 2025, sources indicate that the PCB is not currently considering the experienced duo for the home series. Since late 2024, the team management has been experimenting with a new approach, moving away from the stability of the Babar-Rizwan pairing and embracing a more explosive top order. While this transition has yet to produce consistent results—evident in the 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand earlier this year—the selectors remain committed to a long-term overhaul. The likely lineup for the series includes Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and possibly Sahibzada Farhan, with additional options such as Hussain Talat, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and promising pacer Ali Raza under discussion. The series, which forms part of Pakistan's build-up to next year's T20 World Cup, will be held from May 25 to June 3, with matches split between Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad and Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Originally planned as a mix of ODIs and T20Is under the Future Tours Programme (FTP), the format was revised to include five T20Is to maximize World Cup preparation time. Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Schedule: 21s May – Bangladesh team arrives in Pakistan 25 May – 1st T20I, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM PKT) 27 May – 2nd T20I, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad (8:00 PM PKT) 30 May – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT) 1 June – 4th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT) 3 June – 5th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (8:00 PM PKT) Bangladesh will train in Faisalabad from May 22 to 24, in preparation for the series opener. As the countdown to the World Cup intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan's gamble on youth pays off—or if a recall for Babar and Rizwan becomes inevitable.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
HBL PSL X standings: Islamabad United leads pack, Karachi Kings chasing
Islamabad United maintained their unbeaten run in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 with a seven-wicket win over Multan Sultans in match 13, cementing their top spot in the standings. Defending champions Islamabad United recorded their fifth successive victory in PSL 10 after defeating Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Multan batted first and posted 168 for 5 in 20 overs, with Usman Khan contributing a gritty half-century. The total proved insufficient as Islamabad chased the target with ease, reaching 169 for 3 in just 17.1 overs. Andries Gous anchored the chase with an unbeaten 80 off 45 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. His knock earned him the Player of the Match award. The result keeps Islamabad United unbeaten after five matches, putting them firmly at the top with 10 points and a net run rate of 2.342. Multan Sultans, in contrast, suffered their fourth defeat in five matches. With just two points and a net run rate of -1.764, they sit last in the standings. Karachi Kings hold second place with three wins in five matches, despite a negative net run rate of -0.215. Lahore Qalandars are third, with two wins in four games and a positive rate of 1.095. Peshawar Zalmi are in fourth with one win from four games, edging out Quetta Gladiators—who also have two points—on net run rate. Gladiators have played one game fewer. HBL PSL 2025 Points Table (After Match 13): Rank Team Matches Wins Losses Points Net Run Rate 1 Islamabad United 5 5 0 10 +2.342 2 Karachi Kings 5 3 2 6 -0.215 3 Lahore Qalandars 4 2 2 4 +1.095 4 Peshawar Zalmi 4 1 3 2 -0.844 5 Quetta Gladiators 3 1 2 2 -0.917 6 Multan Sultans 5 1 4 2 -1.764 Next, Lahore Qalandars will square up against Peshawar Zalmi on 24 April.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
HBL PSL X: Kane Williamson arrives in Pakistan to join Karachi Kings
New Zealand star Kane Williamson has joined Karachi Kings in Lahore ahead of their upcoming HBL PSL 2025 fixture against Quetta Gladiators. Kane Williamson touched down in Lahore and linked up with Karachi Kings at the team hotel as HBL PSL 10 heads into a crucial phase. The seasoned batter, known for his calm leadership and world-class batting, was picked by the Kings in the supplementary category during the 2025 PSL Draft but hasn't featured in the tournament thus far. Williamson was fulfilling his commitments with the Indian Premier League (IPL), providing commentary and expert analysis during key fixtures in the league. His arrival provides a timely boost for Karachi Kings, who are set to face Quetta Gladiators in their next match at the Lahore venue. Williamson's presence is expected to strengthen the middle order and bring valuable experience to the Karachi Kings lineup. They have had a tumultuous beginning to the new campaign, picking up 3 wins and 2 losses in their opening 5 matches of the HBL PSL 2025. The Kings will begin preparations this evening with a scheduled practice session at 6 p.m. at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Karachi Kings will be aiming to continue their momentum with a win against Quetta Gladiators on 25 April.
Express Tribune
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Ramiz Raja calls HBL PSL the ‘HBL IPL', gets trolled online
Multan Sultans secured their first win of HBL PSL 2025 in emphatic fashion, but the night's buzz came off-field when commentator Ramiz Raja mistakenly referred to the tournament as the 'HBL IPL' during the post-match presentation. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, now a familiar voice in cricket commentary, sparked an online frenzy on Tuesday after a slip of the tongue during the awards ceremony at Multan Cricket Stadium. As Ireland's Josh Little was being honoured for the catch of the match—dismissing Fakhar Zaman—Raja accidentally referred to the Pakistan Super League as the 'HBL IPL'. The moment was quickly picked up by fans, with video clips of the gaffe going viral across social media platforms. Memes and reactions flooded timelines, many poking fun at the mix-up and others calling it a moment of comic relief in an intense season. Time to retire from commentary as well — Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) April 23, 2025 Rameez Raja wants to be part of IPL — Anirban (@Anirban37699026) April 23, 2025 Ramiz Out of englis🤣 — Muhammad Muavia (@iamMK_46) April 22, 2025 It also prompted a debate between IPL and PSL fans with regards to which cricketing T20 league was better. We know IPL is bigger but PSL is better too — Numair Tariq (@NumairTariq2) April 23, 2025 HBL PSL ❌ HBL IPL ✅ Best Catch of the "HBL IPL" ~ Ramiz Raja does it again 😅 — Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) April 23, 2025 The incident followed a commanding performance by the Sultans, who bounced back from a slow start to the season by defeating Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs. Yasir Khan starred with the bat, smashing 87 off just 44 balls in an explosive innings that included six boundaries and six maximums. His opening stand of 89 runs with captain Mohammad Rizwan (32 off 17) propelled the hosts to 228/5—the highest team total at Multan in PSL history. In reply, the Qalandars mounted a strong chase, but despite brisk knocks from Fakhar Zaman (32), Sam Billings (43), and Sikandar Raza (50), they fell short at 195/9. Ubaid Shah impressed with three wickets, while Josh Little's highlight-reel catch provided the game's defining moment. Elsewhere, Islamabad United remain unbeaten atop the HBL PSL 2025 table with four wins, followed by Karachi Kings with six points. Lahore Qalandars sit third with four points from five matches.
