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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to return for its 10th edition in 2025, and the anticipation surrounding it has never been higher. What began in 2016 as a bold initiative to reinvigorate Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure has now matured into one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world.
A Decade of Growth and Grit
When the inaugural PSL was launched in the UAE due to security concerns in Pakistan, few imagined that within a decade, the entire league would be hosted on home soil, filling stadiums from Karachi to Lahore. Over the years, the PSL has grown in stature, attracting top international talent while serving as a breeding ground for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
The likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Fakhar Zaman have used the PSL as a platform to become household names, not just in Pakistan but around the globe. The league’s competitive nature, high-quality production, and raucous fan engagement have made it a centerpiece of the country’s sporting calendar.
PSL 2025: Schedule and Venues
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the 2025 edition of the PSL will take place from April 11 to May 18, aligning with the post-Ramadan window and ensuring maximum participation from overseas stars. All six franchises —
They will participate in a double round-robin format followed by playoffs and a grand final.
PSL 2025 Team
PSL 2025: Full Squads
Lahore Qalandars Squad 2025: Shaheen Afridi (C), Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, Kusal Perera, Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, David Wiese, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Mohammad Akhlaq, Rishad Hossain, Muhammad Naeem, Salman Ali Mirza, Tom Curran, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Azab and Sam Billings.
Peshawar Zalmi Squad 2025: Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, George Linde, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Abdul Samad, Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufyan Moqim, Max Bryant, Najibullah Zadran, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Mitchell Owen, Luke Wood.
Multan Sultans Squad 2025: Mohammad Rizwan (C), Usama Mir, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram, Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little, Tayyab Tahir, Aamer Azmat, Johnson Charles, Yasir Khan, Shahid Aziz, Ubaid Shah, Shai Hope, Muhammad Amir Barki.
Islamabad United Squad 2025: Shadab Khan (C), Naseem Shah, Matthew Short, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Jason Holder, Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Benjamin Dwarshuis, Colin Munro, Rumman Raees, Andries Gous, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Irshad, Rassie van der Dussen, Riley Meredith, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad.
Karachi Kings Squad 2025: David Warner (C), Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, Hasan Ali, James Vince, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shan Masood, Aamer Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Litton Das, Mir Hamza, Kane Williamson, Mirza Mamoon, Imtiaz Mohammad Nabi, Omair Bin Yousuf, Fawad Ali, Riazullah.
Quetta Gladiators Squad 2025: Saud Shakeel (C), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Abrar Ahmad, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Haseebullah Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Zeeshan, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis, Sean Abbott, Kyle Jamieson, Hasan Nawaz, Shoaib Malik, Ali Majid.
PSL 2025 Captains (David Warner wasn’t present so Hasan Ali took his position)
Venues for PSL will include:
The PCB is also exploring options to host select matches in Faisalabad or even Hyderabad, Pakistan; to tap into regional fanbases and further decentralize the reach of the league.
Official Broadcasters in India
While the official announcement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected closer to the tournament, based on previous seasons and current broadcast partnerships, the likely PSL 2025 broadcast and streaming platforms in India is:
- Fancode: Owned by Dream Sports providing live streaming of the PSL in India.
FANCODE & PSL streaming promotion.
PSL 2025: List of Commentators
World Feed: Mark Nicholas, Martin Guptill, Sir Alastair Cook, JP Duminy, Mike Haysman, Mark Butcher, Dominic Cork, Lisa Sthalekar, Athar Ali Khan, Waqar Younis, Aamir Sohail, Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja, Wasim Akram, Sikander Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz
Urdu Feed: Tariq Saeed, Marina Iqbal, Aqeel Samar, Ali Younis, Salman Butt.
Star Power: Retentions, Drafts, and Transfers
One of the major talking points every season is the draft, and PSL 2025 will be no different. All six franchises have made strategic retentions and trades, with some blockbuster moves already in the headlines.
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Babar Azam, after captaining Peshawar Zalmi last year, is expected to remain the face of the franchise. His leadership and batting consistency make him a pivotal figure.
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Shaheen Afridi, leading the Lahore Qalandars, will aim to recapture the glory he brought to the team in 2022 and 2023.
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Shadab Khan continues to be the keystone for Islamabad United, combining leg-spin wizardry with aggressive lower-order batting.
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Daryl Mitchell , David Warner, and Adam Milne are among the international stars to play.
The PCB has also announced innovations to the draft process this year. In addition to the traditional Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver categories, a Developmental Rookie category will allow franchises to pick uncapped U-19 Pakistani players — a move designed to fast-track emerging talent into the limelight.
The Rising Talent Pool
A key highlight of every PSL season has been the emergence of new Pakistani cricketers who go on to wear the national jersey. Players like Mohammad Haris, Ihsanullah, and Abrar Ahmed are recent examples of how the league is nurturing the next generation.
For 2025, all eyes will be on emerging bowlers from domestic circuits like Ubaid Shah (younger brother of Naseem Shah), all-rounder Arafat Minhas, and top-order batsman Haseebullah Khan. These players are likely to get PSL exposure, and a strong season could catapult them to international contention ahead of Pakistan’s international calendar later in the year.
New Technologies and Broadcast Enhancements
The PSL 10 broadcast package will be the most sophisticated in its history. The PCB has signed new broadcasting rights with local and international media houses, aiming to increase viewership in key markets such as the UK, Middle East, and North America.
Innovations for 2025 include:
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Player mic-ups during matches (with permission),
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Drone camera views,
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Augmented Reality (AR) graphics, and
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A dedicated fan zone app offering behind-the-scenes content, fantasy leagues, and fan voting features.
These enhancements aim to make the viewing experience more immersive while also expanding the league’s digital footprint.
Women’s Exhibition Matches
Building on last year’s successful women’s exhibition matches, the PCB has announced a three-match Women’s T20 Exhibition Series to be played alongside the men’s PSL fixtures in Lahore and Rawalpindi. These matches are part of a broader initiative to launch a Women’s PSL (WPSL) in 2026. Stars from Pakistan women’s cricket like Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, and Fatima Sana will feature alongside international invitees, giving the initiative greater visibility.
Security and Fan Engagement
With Pakistan having successfully hosted the Champions Trophy 2025, including tours by England, West Indies, and New Zealand. The PCB is confident about seamless operations and tight security measures. The board is working closely with provincial governments to ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for fans across all venues.
Fan engagement is also being prioritized through official fan parks, musical performances, interactive social media campaigns, and community outreach programs led by PSL teams. Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, known for their loyal fanbases, have already started promotional campaigns to mobilize their supporters well before the first ball is bowled.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Tournament
PSL 2025 is more than just a cricket tournament — it’s a symbol of Pakistan’s resilience, talent, and passion for the game. As the country continues to reclaim its place on the global sporting map, the league serves as a unifying force that brings people together across provinces, languages, and ideologies.
With a fine mix of seasoned stars, young guns, and international flavor, this season promises fireworks both on and off the field. For fans of Pakistani cricket, PSL isn’t just a sporting event — it’s a national festival.
Authored by: Salil Mehta
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