PSL’s tenth edition begins with a bang

Holder stars as Islamabad crush Lahore

FROM SPORTS ARENA

April 12, 2025

THE tenth edition of Pakistan’s flagship cricket event, the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), was launched in spectacular fashion on Friday night at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A dazzling opening ceremony preceded the tournament’s first match, which saw defending champions Islamabad United face off against Lahore Qalandars.

This year’s PSL, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will run until May 18 and will feature 34 matches, including three double-headers on April 12, May 1, and May 10. The rest of the fixtures are scheduled as single matches across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Captains of the participating teams pose for the camera with the tournament’s trophy

The six teams in the competition are vying for a $500,000 winner’s prize, while the runners-up will receive $200,000. Lahore’s newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the Qualifier, Eliminator, and the final on May 18. Rawalpindi will stage 11 matches, while Multan Cricket Stadium and National Bank Stadium in Karachi will each host five.

Recap of PSL 2024: Islamabad United clinched their third PSL title, while Multan Sultans finished as runners-up for the third year running.

First match

In the tournament opener, Jason Holder starred on debut for Islamabad United, taking 4 wickets for 26 runs, leading his side to a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars.

Batting first after being put in, the Qalandars were bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs. Only four batters reached double digits: Abdullah Shafique (66), Sikandar Raza (23), Daryl Mitchell (13), and Haris Rauf (10). At one point, Lahore had lost half their lineup for just 93 runs by the 14th over. Shafique and Raza briefly steadied the innings with a 35-run stand.

For Islamabad, Holder found solid support from skipper Shadab Khan, who picked up 3 for 25 in just 3.2 overs.

In reply, United made a steady start, scoring 37 runs in the powerplay while losing opener Andries Gous (4). However, a solid 55-run stand between Colin Munro and Sahibzada Farhan laid the foundation for the chase. Farhan was dismissed for 25, but Munro and Salman Ali Agha guided United home with 14 balls to spare.

Munro remained unbeaten on 59 off 42 balls (7 fours, 1 six), while Salman finished with 41 off 34 balls (3 fours, 1 six). Qalandars’ only breakthroughs came from Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf.

Jason Holder was deservedly named Player of the Match.