RAWALPINDI, April 11, 2025 – The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 kicks off tonight with a blockbuster encounter between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The match, scheduled for an 8:30 PM start, marks the opening clash of the 10th edition of PSL, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling season.
The Qalandars, reigning champions and two-time title defenders, enter the tournament eyeing a historic hat-trick of PSL trophies. Led by the ever-aggressive Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars have carved a reputation for delivering under pressure. With a win probability of 46%, they may statistically trail, but their recent record tells a different story—they’ve beaten Islamabad United in four of their last five encounters.
The Qalandars’ strength lies in their devastating bowling attack. Shaheen, alongside Haris Rauf, forms a ferocious pace duo. Add Sikandar Raza’s cunning spin and you have a bowling unit that can dominate on any surface. Their batting is equally lethal—Fakhar Zaman remains the go-to man at the top, with consistent support from Abdullah Shafique. International stars like Sam Billings and Kusal Perera, paired with the all-round brilliance of Daryl Mitchell, Raza, and David Wiese, make the Qalandars a well-rounded and dangerous side.
Islamabad United, on the other hand, are hungry for a return to glory. The two-time champions are looking to reestablish their supremacy under captain Shadab Khan. With a slightly higher win probability of 54%, United come into the tournament with fire in their eyes and momentum on their side.
The United top order is built for destruction, featuring Colin Munro, Matthew Short, and Rassie van der Dussen. Azam Khan adds middle-order muscle, while all-rounders Imad Wasim, Agha Salman, and Shadab ensure depth. Historically criticized for their bowling, this season’s United lineup boasts real firepower. Naseem Shah leads a revitalized pace attack, complemented by rising star Hunain Shah. Overseas quicks Riley Meredith and Ben Dwarshuis bolster their options, while Shadab’s leg-spin remains a potent weapon.
Playing at their home ground in Rawalpindi, United will look to harness local support to end Lahore’s dominance. But the Qalandars, determined to cement a PSL dynasty, won’t back down. It’s legacy versus redemption tonight—United vs Qalandars—and it’s going to be explosive.