Excitement and caution as 2025 Pakistan Super League begins today

Special Excitement and caution as 2025 Pakistan Super League begins today
(From left to right:) In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, captains of Pakistan Super League teams, Lahore Qalandars’ Shaheen Shah Afridi, Islamabad United’s Shahdab Khan, Quetta Gladiators’ Saud Shakeel, Multan Sultans’ Muhammad Rizwan, Karachi Kings’ (vice captain) Hassan Ali, Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam, gesture for a group photograph with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)
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Updated 10 April 2025
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Excitement and caution as 2025 Pakistan Super League begins today

Excitement and caution as 2025 Pakistan Super League begins today
  • Islamabad United, defending champions and most successful franchise in PSL history with three titles, will face-off against Lahore Qalandars
  • Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in an already crowded cricket calendar has squeezed PSL into a direct clash with the Indian Premier League

DUBAI: The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is set to open in Rawalpindi on April 11. Islamabad United, defending champions and the most successful franchise in PSL history with three titles, will face-off against the Lahore Qalandars. Sadly, it has been hard to ignore the off-field issues which have overshadowed the anticipatory excitement.
The PSL finds itself at a crossroads. Hosting the ICC Champions Trophy in an already crowded cricket calendar has squeezed it into a direct clash with the Indian Premier League. This scheduling challenge has affected the build-up and player availability.
While Pakistan Cricket Board CEO Salman Naseer has remained optimistic, the situation is acute. The PSL is striving to carve out its identity amid the growing sea of franchise leagues around the world. Once regarded as the second-best franchise tournament, it now faces fierce competition for the status.
Against that background Pakistan’s cricket remains fractured, with political instability and infighting within the board making the headlines. In a recent podcast, Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen, publicly criticized the PCB and the PSL’s management for “embracing mediocrity,” further highlighting the divisions within the sport. If the PSL is to overcome these hurdles and thrive, it will need everyone to unite for its future.
Another obstacle facing the PSL is player drain. Apart from the concurrently running IPL, the England and Wales Cricket Board has adopted a harder line toward releasing its contracted players for overseas tournaments during the English season. This means many top overseas stars are tied to either the IPL or county contracts, leaving PSL teams with weaker rosters than previously. Nevertheless, the PSL has consistently brought joy to the nation through homegrown stars like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah.
They will need to step up and fresh new talents must make their mark to help prove the PSL can be more than just a domestic competition. There is no doubt it has established itself within the country’s cultural identity.
Aspirations to become a truly global product have been tempered by the growth of other franchise leagues, especially ILT20 and SA20. Given that the PSL franchises are subject to renewal and expansion after this 10th edition, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the PSL can attract continued investment at home, let alone international viewing figures to support any claim to be global. Competing head-on with the IPL for such viewers places pressure on the players to play attractive and meaningful cricket.
The Karachi Kings look able to do this. They are led by David Warner, supported by James Vince, and appear to be a formidable side, with a well-rounded squad that covers the essential aspects of the game. Their pace attack is both potent and varied, offering a range of threats. The spin bowling department is equally strong, providing the perfect balance of options for different match situations. A batting lineup containing Kane Williamson combines power-hitting with finesse and possesses the flexibility to adapt to any challenge.




In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, Pakistan Super League franchise Karachi Kings’ Vice Captain Hassan Ali gestures with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)

Adding to the team’s strength is new head coach Ravi Bopara, who brings a wealth of experience and a long-standing connection to the franchise, dating back to the first edition as a player. This new dynamic signals a promising future, with the Karachi Kings looking well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament.




In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi’s Captain Babar Azam gestures with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)

Peshawar Zalmi have received a timely boost with the news that Saim Ayub has recovered from an injury sustained in South Africa. He is set to open the batting alongside Babar Azam, who will be eager to rediscover his best form after a recent period of struggle. In the bowling department, Zalmi are likely to lean heavily on their spin attack, with the trio of Yaqoob, Mumtaz and Sufyan Muqeem expected to play key roles. While the team has the potential to reach the knockout stages, I do not foresee them having quite enough firepower to mount a serious challenge for the trophy.




In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, Pakistan Super League franchise Islamabad United’s Captain Shahdab Khan gestures with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)

Defending champions Islamabad United, true to style, boast a squad brimming with power hitters. I fully expect them to continue playing an aggressive brand of cricket. The addition of Matthew Short will significantly strengthen their batting lineup and their pace attack will be spearheaded by Naseem Shah, a key player who will lead from the front. However, Shadab Khan’s role will be crucial in maintaining the right balance within the team. He has struggled with the ball for a while and must find a way to regain form if Islamabad are to successfully defend their title. I expect them to be strong contenders.




In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars’ Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi gestures with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)

Lahore Qalandars have experienced both ends of the spectrum in the PSL, finishing bottom of the points table a record five times yet securing back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. This season, there is a shift in the coaching setup after Aqib Javed moved on to a national team role. Darren Gough was initially set to take over but pulled out at the last minute, leaving Russell Domingo to step in.
In the early years of the PSL, the Qalandars attracted some of the biggest names but struggled to find consistency. This year’s squad lacks players of that ilk who could propel them to the top. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has faced challenges with his form, adding further pressure. However, there are a few bright spots, such as young Rishad Hosain, who could prove an exciting prospect. Lahore will also be hoping Daryl Mitchell can make a significant impact. Despite these potential positives, I expect the Qalandars to face challenges and run the risk of a bottom two finish.




In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans’ Muhammad Rizwan gestures with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)

Multan Sultans seem to have a well-balanced squad, with a solid mix of aggressive batters and touch players. Their all-rounders, particularly Michael Bracewell, have been in excellent form, adding depth to both the batting and bowling departments.
Young Akif, who recently represented Pakistan, comes into the tournament with a keen sense of pace and confidence, while Hasnain will be eager to make a significant mark with his new team.
Having been runners-up for the past three years and champions in 2021, Multan has a proven method, consistently challenging for the top spot. A combination of a well-rounded team and a sound strategic approach should enable them to challenge Karachi Kings for the title once again. Whether it is sufficient to claim the crown remains to be seen.




In this handout photo, released on April 10, 2025, Pakistan Super League franchise Quetta Gladiators’ Saud Shakeel gestures with PSL Season 10 Trophy in Islamabad. (Photo courtesy: Handout/PSL)

Quetta Gladiators have struggled to make an impact on the PSL over the past five years. With Sarfaraz Ahmed stepping into the coaching role, replacing Shane Watson, the franchise is hoping for a fresh direction. However, their recruitment strategy over the years has left much to be desired, with the decision to let go of promising young players in favor of loyalty to the seniors.
The early success of the Gladiators was built on familiarity, with many players having come through the ranks in local club cricket. However, as other teams modernized and built strong cultures, Quetta has remained stagnant, failing to evolve in the same way.
This season, they will hope New Zealand’s Mark Chapman can inject some much-needed firepower into the batting lineup, while 42-year-old Shoaib Malik will be relied upon to bring his vast experience to guide the middle order. On the bowling front, Kyle Jamieson’s height and pace should pose problems for opposition batters. However, despite these additions, it is difficult to see Quetta’s fortunes turning around this season.
On the cusp of PSL X 2025, I have a personal note of hope — that agendas and off-field distractions are few and far between, allowing the focus to shift squarely onto the tournament. After the disappointment of the Champions Trophy and the sub-standard national team performances of late, both the country and the PSL need a successful 10th edition. This will raise spirits overall and make the PSL an attractive investment space as it enters a second decade.


19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan

19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan
Updated 3 min 52 sec ago
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19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan

19 killed after fuel tanker blast in Pakistan
  • Oil tanker caught fire in southwestern Nushki district on April 28
  • Police say investigating possibility of negligence in oil tanker blast 

QUETTA, Pakistan: The death toll from an oil tanker blast in southwest Pakistan jumped to 19, officials said Monday, a week after the incident.

Crowds had gathered to douse the flames of the burning tanker after it pulled over near a market, when it exploded.More than 40 people were injured, many of them transported to the mega city of Karachi for treatment.

“The death toll climbs to 19,” local police official Muhammad Hasan Mengal told AFP.

The incident happened on April 28 in Nushki, a district of Balochistan province. 

He said police were investigating the possibility of negligence.


Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff

Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff
Updated 5 min 7 sec ago
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Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff

Pakistan calls on international partners to restrain ‘spoilers’ as Moody’s concerned over India standoff
  • Moody’s Ratings said escalating frictions with India would weigh on Pakistan’s economic growth, impair access to external financing
  • Last week, according to media reports, India raised concerns with the IMF on its loans to Pakistan, asking for a review of bailout

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday urged the international community to prevent ‘spoilers’ from obstructing its path to economic growth as Moody’s Ratings said escalating frictions between New Delhi and Islamabad could weigh on Pakistan’s economic growth and impair access to external financing.

Dar’s comments came in the wake of New Delhi blaming Islamabad for a deadly attack on domestic tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish the backers of the attack “beyond their imagination” and fears have been rising that India might carry our surgical strikes or special forces raids along the de facto border that divides the disputed Kashmir valley between the two nations. Pakistan has denied involvement in last Tuesday’s attack but has warned it will hit back if it is targeted.

Speaking at the 4th Annual Regional Dialogue 2025 organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, Dar, who is also the foreign minister, said Pakistan was endowed with rich natural and human resources and an enormous economic potential, located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, and wanted to “capitalize on these inherent advantages for the prosperity and betterment of our people and that of the region.”

“We have prioritized geo-economics as one of the cardinal pillars of our engagement with our international partners. We are determined to enhance regional connectivity, and increase bilateral and multilateral developmental partnerships for socio-economic uplift,” the foreign minister said.

“To achieve these goals, we are desirous of peace in the region and beyond. At a time when we are headed on the path of economic stability, we do not want any distractions from our people-centric development agenda.”

He said he hoped the international community would help Islamabad achieve its goals, and prevent any spoilers in the region “from obstructing our path to peace and prosperity.”

The recent standoff with India has come as Pakistan treads a tricky and narrow path to economic recovery. 

On Monday, Moody’s Ratings said tensions between India and Pakistan would impair Pakistan’s economic growth and access to external financing. The ratings agency said persistent tensions could pressure Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, though it did not expect a full-scale military conflict.

Pakistan secured a $7 billion bailout program from the IMF last year and was granted a new $1.3 billion climate resilience loan in March.

The program is critical to the $350 billion economy and Pakistan said it has stabilized under the bailout that helped it stave off a default threat.

Last week, according to media reports, India raised concerns with the IMF on its loans to Pakistan, asking for a review. 

The adviser to Pakistan’s finance minister has said the IMF program is “well on track.”

“The latest review has been done well and we are completely on track,” adviser Khurram Schehzad, told Reuters last week, adding that Pakistan had very productive spring meetings with financial institutions in Washington.

“We did about 70 meetings ... interest has been very high for investing and supporting Pakistan as the economy turns around,” Schehzad said.

The soaring tensions between the two countries have drawn global attention and calls for cooling tempers.

US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday Washington hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down Pakistan-based assailants.

Kashmir is claimed in full by both Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, but each rules it in part.

-With input from Reuters


Family struggles to raise toddler after India expels mother to Pakistan

Family struggles to raise toddler after India expels mother to Pakistan
Updated 29 min 4 sec ago
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Family struggles to raise toddler after India expels mother to Pakistan

Family struggles to raise toddler after India expels mother to Pakistan
  • India canceled Pakistanis’ visas after attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last week
  • Special NORI visas were granted to Pakistani or Bangladeshi nationals married to Indians

RAJOURI, Indian-administered Kashmir: Ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan have left one family struggling and worried after the mother of a toddler was expelled by India.

Two-year-old Ayiza Anjum’s father said his daughter had fallen ill since her mother was made to leave the country when India canceled visas of Pakistani nationals in the wake of an attack on tourists in Pahalgam that left 26 dead last week. 

Athiya Aslam lived in India on a long-term visa with her in-laws in Kashmir’s Rajouri district. 

Ayiza’s father, Anjum Tanweer, condemned the situation as a “dire injustice.”

“This [expulsion of Pakistani nationals] by the government according to us is very wrong,” he said. “Those living illegally [in India] it makes sense for them. But those who have families here, they have been wronged.”

Tanweer said it was the third day that his child had been crying and refusing to drink milk. 

“She is sick. It has become very difficult for me. I’m very worried,” the father said. 

Tanweer’s father appealed to the Indian government to bring back his daughter-in-law and reunite her with Ayiza.

“My small child who is left here is in a lot of distress. She hasn’t been able to eat for the last three days,” Tanweer Hussain Khan, the toddler’s grandfather, said. 

“We are all in a state of shock. I request the prime minister to [bring back] my daughter-in-law who has gone there [to Pakistan], whose child was snatched from her. I have complete hope that you will reunite them.”

On April 22, militants unleashed a deadly carnage in Baisaran valley, a tourist spot in Indian Kashmir, known for its lush green meadows. 25 tourists and a local pony handler were killed in the attack. India has alleged Pakistani involvement, without providing evidence. Islamabad denies the charge but fears continue to rise that New Delhi could carry out retaliatory strikes.

In response, among other measures, New Delhi canceled the visas of Pakistani nationals. However, it reportedly announced NORI (No Obligation to Return to India) visa holders as an exception.

NORI visas are provided to such Pakistani or Bangladeshi nationals who are married to Indian citizens or have close relatives in India.

Kashmir has been disputed between India and Pakistan for decades, with both claiming the valley in full but ruling it in part.
 


With militaries upgraded, risks multiply in any potential India-Pakistan conflict

With militaries upgraded, risks multiply in any potential India-Pakistan conflict
Updated 05 May 2025
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With militaries upgraded, risks multiply in any potential India-Pakistan conflict

With militaries upgraded, risks multiply in any potential India-Pakistan conflict
  • India and Pakistan have significantly upgraded military capabilities since nuclear-armed neighbors clashed in 2019
  • In particular, India believes that it was at a disadvantage in 2019 because it had to rely mainly on aging Russian jets

ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan have significantly upgraded their military capabilities since the nuclear-armed neighbors clashed in 2019, posing increased risks of escalation even in a limited conflict, former military officers and experts say.

Pakistan says India plans a military incursion after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for a deadly attack on domestic tourists in Indian Kashmir last month. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to punish the backers of the attack “beyond their imagination.”

Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack but has warned it will hit back if it is targeted.

In 2019, India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan after the bombing of an Indian military convoy in Kashmir and said it destroyed “terrorist camps.” Pakistani jets conducted a retaliatory air strike and shot down an Indian aircraft during actions spread over two days.

The neighbors have fought three wars — in 1948, 1965 and 1971 — and clashed countless times since gaining independence, mostly over the Kashmir region which both claim. Both acquired nuclear weapons in the 1990s and Kashmir is considered one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the world.

Military experts say neither side will consider nuclear weapons unless pushed to the wall, but even a limited conflict would carry high risks of escalation.

They say such a conflict is likely to involve aircraft, missiles or drones, where India and Pakistan are considered closely matched, although India’s far greater resources would come into play over a longer period.

“Decision makers in both states now have a higher risk appetite for conflict initiation and escalation than prior to 2019,” said Frank O’Donnell, a non-resident fellow at the South Asia Program at the Stimson Center, a think-tank in Washington, as they had managed then to clash without nuclear weapons being used.

“But without a clear mutual sense of the precise actions, that could trigger inadvertent escalation,” he added.

Both sides have acquired new military hardware since 2019, opening up new conventional strike options.

“Each side will think they are in a better position than last time,” said Muhammad Faisal, a South Asia security researcher based at the University of Technology, Sydney. “It is only when we see actual combat that we will find out.”

In particular, India believes that it was at a disadvantage in 2019 because it had to rely mainly on aging Russian jets. It has since inducted 36 French-made Rafale fighter jets, a top Western aircraft, with more on order for its navy.

To counter, Pakistan got one of China’s most advanced war planes, the J-10, a rough equivalent of the Rafale, in batches since 2022. It has at least 20 of the aircraft, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The planes carry advanced capabilities, with the Rafale armed with Meteor air-to-air missiles that operate beyond visual range. The J-10 is armed with the comparable PL-15 missile, according to a Pakistani security official who declined to be identified because they were not authorized to brief the media.

To plug the gaps in air defenses exposed on both sides in the 2019 conflict, India secured Russia’s battle-tested S-400, a mobile anti-aircraft missile system. Pakistan obtained the HQ-9 from China, which is based on Russia’s S-300, one notch down.

’CLAMOUR FOR ACTION’

“Most certainly in some respects we are better off (than 2019),” said Anil Golani, a former air vice marshal in the Indian Air Force, and the director general of the Delhi-based Center for Air Power Studies think tank.

“There’s a lot of clamor for action in the country but, in my personal assessment, both India and Pakistan are not looking for an all-out conflict,” he added.

Hanging over any conflict is China, India’s rival and Pakistan’s close ally and biggest supplier of military equipment. Although the US has urged India and Pakistan to ease tensions, it will closely watch any conflict for insights on Beijing’s aerial strength.

The Chinese plane and its PL-15 missile have not previously been tested in combat.

“It could be a contest between Western and Chinese technology,” said Faisal, adding “for India, there is the dilemma of how many air squadrons to commit to the Pakistan front, as it must also guard against China.”

China and India fought a brief border war in 1962 and the two armies have clashed, most recently in 2022, along their tense Himalayan frontier.

Pakistan has a fleet of F-16s, the US aircraft acquired decades back when ties with Washington were stronger. These F-16s were deployed in the 2019 tussle, leading India to lodge protests with the US, although New Delhi now enjoys far closer ties with Washington.

This time, to avoid the political fallout with the F-16 and to take advantage of having a more advanced aircraft, Pakistan will likely spearhead with the Chinese J-10, experts said.

But a drone or ground-launched missile strike is considered more likely since neither would risk a pilot being shot down.

India has turned to Israel for combat-capable drones, getting the Heron Mark 2, and it has UA Predator drones on order. Pakistan has acquired Turkiye’s Bayraktar TB2 — used by Ukraine in its war with Russia — and the Akinci, also from Turkiye, according to the Pakistani security official.

Amid the standoff, Pakistan tested a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450 km (280 miles) on Saturday, to show that the armed forces were ready to “safeguard national security against any aggression,” according to a statement from the country’s military. Pakistan also has a range of short-range and medium-range missiles, capable of being fired from ground, sea and air.

There was no immediate comment from India on the test. India’s capabilities include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile of about 300 km range as well the Agni series of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The 2019 skirmish almost spiraled out of control, with multiple missile strikes threatened before US intervention calmed the situation down.

Kaiser Tufail, a former fighter pilot in the Pakistani air force, said that India did not manage to establish deterrence in 2019, so it would aim for a more incisive strike this time, bringing more risks in its wake.

Modi said following the 2019 skirmishes that the country had felt the lack of Rafale fighters at the time, which were on order, and suggested that the results of the clash could have been different if it had the French fighter.

“If you go beyond what we saw in 2019, it is very risky,” said Tufail. “Nuclear-armed countries slugging it out is extremely dangerous.”


Pakistan test fires surface-to-surface missile amid threat of war with India 

Pakistan test fires surface-to-surface missile amid threat of war with India 
Updated 05 May 2025
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Pakistan test fires surface-to-surface missile amid threat of war with India 

Pakistan test fires surface-to-surface missile amid threat of war with India 
  • Launched aimed at ensuring operational readiness of troops, validating key technical parameters, says Pakistan military 
  • Tensions have surged since India blamed Pakistan for backing militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on Apr. 22

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan successfully conducted the training launch of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometers on Monday, the military’s media wing said, amid fears of Islamabad’s surging tensions with New Delhi resulting in a military confrontation. 

Pakistani and Indian forces have traded intermittent fire along the de facto border between the two states in the disputed Kashmir region since Apr. 26. Tensions between the two countries rose after a militant attack at a popular tourist spot in Indian-administered Kashmir on Apr. 22 killed 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the attack, which Islamabad strongly denied and called for an international probe into the incident. 

Pakistan has warned India of a “decisive” response if it launches any military action against it. On Saturday, Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System— a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers. 

 “Pakistan today conducted a successful training launch of a FATAH Series surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 kilometers as part of ongoing Ex INDUS,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said. 

The training launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Army, as well as officers, scientists and engineers from the country’s strategic organizations, the ISPR said. 

“The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced accuracy,” it added. 

The military said Pakistan’s chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, and Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir congratulated the participating troops, scientists and engineers. 

“They expressed complete confidence in the operational preparedness and technical proficiency of the Pakistan Army to thwart any aggression against the territorial integrity of Pakistan,” the statement said. 

Pakistan and India have fought two out of three wars over the disputed Kashmir territory. Each side claims the territory in full but administers only parts of it, separated by a de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC). 

Both countries have taken hostile measures against each other since the attack, including expelling their nationals and suspending bilateral trade. India also announced it was suspending a decades-long water-sharing treaty between the two nations, with Pakistan warning attempts to block or divert its water flow would be considered an “act of war.”

Top Pakistani leaders have reached out to foreign capitals and senior officials in China, United States, Russia, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Iran and other countries, amid fears that India’s possible action over the attack may lead to a wider conflict in the region.