Latest news with #PSL10
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Salman explains Sufiyan's exclusion
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha says Sufiyan Muqeem will feature in future white-ball series for Pakistan. Photo: AFP/File Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revealed the reason behind left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem's absence from the national squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week announced a 16-member squad for the aforementioned series, which was selected based on the players' performances in the recently concluded HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10. Meanwhile, Muqeem, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in this year's marquee league, had a forgetful campaign as he could only play three matches and took only one wicket at a dismal economy rate of 9.72. The spinner, however, delivered impressive performances for the national team last month on the white-ball tour of New Zealand, where he picked up five wickets in three matches – one T20I and two ODIs. His exclusion drew an outburst from fans, who flocked to social media to express their disapproval. Consequently, Pakistan captain Agha was also asked to share the thought process behind the wrist spinner's snub from the home series during the pre-series press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Tuesday. In response, Agha expressed his admiration for Muqeem and assured that he is in their plans for shorter formats before explaining that he was overlooked considering the conditions here, which according to him are more favourable for the pacers. "I personally like Sufyan a lot, and in the upcoming series, he will feature in our shorter formats squads. I think Sufyan will play a crucial role in the white-ball format, and he will win a lot of matches for Pakistan in the future," said Agha. "If we look at the conditions, spinners did not have much success here [Lahore], so a fast bowler is added in his place," he added. It is pertinent to mention that the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium here on May 28, 30 and June 1, respectively. Wasim Jr ruled out Pakistan's fast-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday. According to the cricket board, the 23-year-old picked up a side strain during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 and was not able to recover in time. Earlier, sources had suggested that the doctors advised Mohammad Wasim Jr a one-week rest and thus, will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here. As a result, he has been replaced by Abbas Afridi, who was the joint second leading wicket-taker of the PSL 10 with 17 dismissals in 11 matches at a decent average of 23.52. "Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has replaced Mohammad Wasim Jnr in Pakistan's T20I squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh," the PCB said in a statement. "Wasim Jnr picked up a side strain during the HBL PSL and was not able to recover in time." Abbas has thus far represented Pakistan in 20 T20Is and took 33 wickets in his budding career. For the unversed, the three-match T20I series is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium here on May 28, 30 and June 1. Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk) and Saim Ayub. Series schedule: 28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Shaheen Shah Afridi to captain Team of PSL 10
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led Lahore Qalandars to their third title in four years in PSL last night, has been named captain of the Team of PSL X. The team was selected by the esteemed members of the commentary team. The PSL 10 was played across four cities –Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 25 May. In the final, Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 25-year-old Shaheen, not only claimed the Fazal Mahmood Cap for finishing as the highest wicket-taker – 19 dismissals in 13 matches, but also leads a team that features two of his Qalandars teammates. Sikandar Raza (11 matches, 254 runs, 2x50s, 10 wickets) and Fakhar Zaman (13 matches, 439 runs, 4x50s) earned their places on the back of stellar performances in the tournament. Gladiators – the winners of the 2019 edition of HBL PSL are also represented by three players. 23-year-old Pakistan international Hasan Nawaz, who was also adjudged best batter of the tournament (12 matches, 399 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) is joined by experienced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (12 matches, 163 runs, 17 wickets) and 27-year-old spinner Abrar Ahmed (12 matches, 17 wickets). PSL 10 sets new record with 500 sices in a single season Karachi Kings, who secured third place on the points table before losing to Qalandars in Eliminator 1 on 22 May at Gaddafi Stadium, also have three representatives. Captain David Warner (11 matches, 368 runs, 3x50s), opening partner James Vince (378 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) and pacer Hasan Ali (10 matches, 17 wickets) all feature in the XI. Khushdil Shah (11 matches, 253 runs, 1x50, seven wickets) is named as the 12th man. Islamabad United's Sahibzada Farhan, who earned the Hanif Mohammad Cap for leading the run charts with 449 runs in 12 matches (1x100, 3x50s), is the sole representative from his side. Completing the line-up is Peshawar Zalmi's emerging talent, fast bowler Ali Raza, who took 12 wickets in nine matches. Squad:
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Lahore Qalandars, praises all HBL PSL teams
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated Lahore Qalandars on lifting their third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, and praised all participating teams for demonstrating what he called 'excellent sportsmanship' throughout a disrupted but thrilling tenth edition of the tournament. Lahore Qalandars clinched a dramatic six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night. Chasing a formidable 202-run target, Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza sealed victory with a blistering 22 not out off seven balls, smashing two sixes and two boundaries in the final over. 'Lahore Qalandars successfully achieved the target after a thrilling match,' Sharif said in a statement issued from his office. 'All the teams involved in PSL 10 showed excellent sportsmanship.' The tournament, already in the spotlight due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and India earlier in May, was briefly paused as both nations engaged in a four-day cross-border conflict. A US-brokered ceasefire brought an uneasy calm, allowing the HBL PSL to resume after a 10-day break. The Indian Premier League was also affected by the standoff. Despite the interruption, HBL PSL 10 concluded successfully, drawing praise from political leaders and cricket officials alike. The prime minister, currently on a four-nation diplomatic visit with his first stop in Türkiye, also extended congratulations to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the entire administration for organising the high-profile event under challenging circumstances. He further acknowledged the contribution of international players, stating their involvement 'made this successful event possible.' Lahore Qalandars now join Islamabad United as the only teams to win three HBL PSL titles, with their previous wins coming in 2022 and 2023. The victory reaffirms their dominance in the T20 league's recent history. A public reception for the team is expected in the coming days, according to Lahore city officials.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Lahore Qalandars clinch HBL PSLX title
Lahore Qalanders players celebrate with the HBL PSLX Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Photo: M Shafiq Awan/express Listen to article A breathtaking 59-run match-winning partnership off just 37 balls between Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza propelled Lahore Qalandars to a nail-biting six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators and lifting the HBL PSL X title in front of a packed house of 34,000 fans at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday night. By virtue of their victory, the Qalandars became only the second team to achieve this milestone three times, emulating the feat of Islamabad United. In a thrilling chase of 202 runs, Lahore Qalandars began aggressively with Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman laying a strong foundation. The duo put together a 39-run opening partnership, setting the tone for the innings. However, the partnership was broken when Fakhar was dismissed by Abrar Ahmed after scoring just 11 runs off 10 balls, including two boundaries. Abdullah Shafique then joined Naeem at the crease, and the pair quickly accelerated, hitting boundaries and building a crucial second-wicket partnership. The 26-year-old was in fiery form as he approached his PSL 10 fifty, but his innings came to an end courtesy of Faheem Ashraf. The opening batter scored a valuable 47 runs off 27 deliveries, featuring a boundary and six sixes. His dismissal ended the important 46-run stand, with the team positioned at 85 for 2 after 8.4 overs. Abdullah Shafique continued to impress, forging a 30-run partnership with Kusal Perera, who also contributed important runs with his eyes set on surpassing the target. The partnership was eventually broken by Usman Tariq, who dismissed Shafique. Shafique played a fiery knock of 41 runs off 28 balls, including four boundaries and a six, with the team at 115 for 3 in 12.3 overs. In the 17th over, Mohammad Amir picked up his first wicket, dismissing Rajapaksa, who scored 14 off 16, leaving the side at 145-4 in 16.4 overs. Sikandar Raza and Perera then went on a rampage and started hitting boundaries to finally earn a grand win for Qalandars. Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Quetta suffered an early setback as captain Saud Shakeel was dismissed by Qalandars' skipper and left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi for just four runs off six balls, leaving the Gladiators at 17-1 in 2.4 overs. Quetta's troubles continued in the next over when Salman Mirza removed Finn Allen for 12 off 11 deliveries, putting the side under early pressure. However, a 38-run partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz steadied the innings. Dinesh Chandimal then joined Nawaz and provided valuable support, striking two sixes off Sikandar Raza in the 17th over to propel the score to 170-4. Shaheen Afridi returned to halt the charge, removing Chandimal for a brisk 22 off 13 balls. Two balls later, he struck again, dismissing the well-set Hasan Nawaz for a brilliant 76 off 43 deliveries, reducing Quetta to 172-6 in 17.5 overs. However, Faheem Ashraf played a vital cameo in the final over, smashing 28 off just eight balls, including multiple boundaries, to help Quetta breach the 200-run mark. He was dismissed on the final delivery of the innings. Tribute paid to Pakistan Navy Rich tributes were paid to the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Navy in the innings break during the PSL X final. The ceremony was attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, US embassy Islamabad Charge D'affaires Natalie Baker, senior civil and military leadership were present on the occasion. Lahore win prize of $500,000, Quetta $200,000 as runners-up.
Business Recorder
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PSL 2025 sets new record with 500 sixes in a single season
The 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has etched its name in the record books, delivering the most sixes in a single season in the tournament's history. According to official statistics, a total of 500 sixes were struck across 34 matches in PSL 2025, surpassing the previous record of 498 sixes set during the 2023 season. This marks the first time the 500-sixes barrier has been breached in a single edition of the PSL. Lahore Qalandars thrash Islamabad United to qualify for PSL 10 final The surge in big hitting reflects both the explosive talent on display and the evolving nature of T20 cricket in Pakistan. The top five seasons with the most sixes now include: 2025 – 500 sixes 2023 – 498 sixes 2021 – 440 sixes 2022 – 435 sixes 2018 – 414 sixes The 2025 season saw several standout performances with the bat, as local and international players consistently cleared the boundary ropes, thrilling fans and boosting engagement. Shafique shines as Lahore Qalandars knock Karachi Kings out of PSL 10 Cricket analysts credit improved batting conditions, power-packed lineups, and flatter pitches for the surge in sixes, while also pointing to increased confidence and innovation among T20 batters. With each season raising the bar, PSL continues to evolve into one of the most exciting and competitive T20 leagues globally.
