Excitement and caution as 2025 Pakistan Super League begins

Islamabad United’s players hold the Pakistan Super League (PSL) trophy as they celebrate their victory against Multan Sultans during the award ceremony for PSL Twenty20 cricket final match at the National Stadium in Karachi on March 19, 2024. (File/AFP)
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Updated 10 April 2025
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Excitement and caution as 2025 Pakistan Super League begins

  • Defending champions Islamabad United launch the 10th edition with clash against Lahore Qalandars

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 towards 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Tiafoe crashes out, Rune cruises through at Queen’s Club

Updated 11 sec ago
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Tiafoe crashes out, Rune cruises through at Queen’s Club

  • British No. 2 Jacob Fearnley joined Evans in round two after he made short work of Australia’s Alex Bolt with a 6-2 6-4 victory
  • Qualifier Mackenzie McDonald got the better of 38-year-old Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4

LONDON: Frances Tiafoe fell to a first round exit at Queen’s Club on Monday as veteran Brit Dan Evans rolled back the years, while fourth seed Holger Rune eased through.

Evans, who needed a wildcard for his place in the draw after sliding to 199 in the world rankings, proved too good for the seventh seed in a 7-5, 6-2 win.

“I still believed I’ve got that tennis in me and I still believe I can do good things inside the top 100. But believing it and it happening is a lot different,” said Evans after winning the first men’s match on the newly-christened Andy Murray Arena.

The 35-year-old was a fitting victor as he had partnered Murray in his final match before retirement in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics.

“A few people mentioned it, that I had finished with him in his last match and then played the men’s event, the first match,” added Evans.

“It was pretty cool to do that.”

Rune had no such problems as the Dane eased into his grass court season with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Australian lucky loser Christopher O’Connell.

British No. 2 Jacob Fearnley joined Evans in round two after he made short work of Australia’s Alex Bolt with a 6-2 6-4 victory.

But there was disappointment for another home favorite in Cameron Norrie, who was beaten 7-6 (8/6) 1-6 6-1 by Czech rising star Jakub Mensik.

The 19-year-old, who beat Novak Djokovic to win the Miami Masters in March, next faces Roberto Bautista Agut, who edged out Nuno Borges 6-7 (6/8), 7-5, 6-4.

Qualifier Mackenzie McDonald got the better of 38-year-old Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4.

Carlos Alcaraz plays for the first time since his remarkable French Open victory over Jannik Sinner on Tuesday when he begins his quest for a second title at Queen’s against fellow Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.


Boca denied by two Argentines as Benfica fight back

Updated 27 min 9 sec ago
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Boca denied by two Argentines as Benfica fight back

  • The Argentine club had led 2-0 thanks to goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia and looked set for a night of celebration after Benfica went down to 10 men in the 72nd minute

MIAMI GARDENS, United States, June 17, 2025 : Goals from two Argentine internationals denied Boca Juniors victory over Benfica on Monday, as the Buenos Aires side were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw in a stormy Club World Cup Group C clash.
An Angel Di Maria penalty on the stroke of half-time and an 86th-minute header from Nicolas Otamendi earned the 10-man Lisbon side a point from a fiercely contested encounter in what was a de facto home game for Boca.
The Argentine club had led 2-0 thanks to goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia and looked set for a night of celebration after Benfica went down to 10 men in the 72nd minute.
Boca fans had taken over Miami Beach over the weekend, thousands of them gathering on the seafront for a traditional ‘banderazo’, singing, drinking and waving flags for hours in the searing heat.
A video of Boca fans jumping and chanting in a local Walmart supermarket, to the bemusement of regular shoppers, had captured the mood but it was nothing compared to the atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium.
The home of the Miami Dolphins was turned into a Bombonera by the beach, with 90 percent of the 55,574 crowd decked out in blue and yellow and bringing a level of constant noise rarely, if ever, heard for NFL games here.
When the action got underway it was clear that the enthusiasm from the stands was going to be matched on the field with Boca confirming the feeling that South American clubs in this tournament are out to prove a point against European opponents.
Boca’s midfield buzzed around, they attacked at pace and tackled with aggression and the first huge roar came when Benfica’s Argentine World Cup winner Di Maria received a rough challenge from behind.
But the physicality was laced with skill too and clever work from Lautaro Blanco down the left created the opening goal in the 21st minute.
Blanco cut in from the left flank, nutmegging Benfica defender Florentino and zipping a low ball in which was expertly flicked home by Merentiel.
The goal lifted the volume even higher and Benfica were struggling to cope — six minutes later they fell 2-0 behind when from a deep Kevin Zenon corner, Ayrton Costa headed toward the back post were the alert Battaglia nodded home from close range.
Two-time European champions Benfica desperately needed to get a foothold in the game and they were gifted one when Boca’s Carlos Palacios mistimed a challenge on Otamendi and after a VAR review — which included a red card for protesting from the already substituted Boca midfield Ander Herrera — a penalty was awarded.
The 37-year-old Di Maria showed all his experience to send Agustín Marchesín the wrong way as he gently slotted home to reduce the deficit.
The tempo slowed after the break but Boca had a chance to restore their two-goal lead in the 69th but Battaglia headed wide from a promising position.
Benfica found themselves further in trouble when Andrea Belotti, a half-time sub, was sent off in the 71st minute after a wild, high-footed kick into the head of Ayrton Costa.
But then with six minutes remaining Boca’s defense failed to pick up Otamendi at a corner kick and the Argentine veteran met Orkun Kokcu’s cross with a thundering header to level the game.
A disappointing result for Boca was compounded by a late red card for Nicolas Figal, who was dismissed for an ugly challenge on Florentino.
Group C also features Bayern Munich and Auckland FC.


Alexxanderr wins gold as Global Champions Arabians Tour concludes fifth stage in Cannes

Updated 16 June 2025
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Alexxanderr wins gold as Global Champions Arabians Tour concludes fifth stage in Cannes

  • Focus now on Netherlands as competitors eye World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha

CANNES: The 2025 Cannes edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour came to a close on Sunday with Alexxanderr, owned by Al-Mirqab Farm, taking home the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title.

Held at the Stade de Hesperides, the fifth stage of the tour and first European stop offered a blend of world-class Arabian horse competition, cultural experiences, and Riviera glamour.

A high-profile crowd of horse owners, celebrities, influencers, partners, and members of the public attended the event over three days.

Bader Al-Darwish, the CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour, said: “Cannes has once again proven to be a spectacular stage for our tour.

“This event reflects everything we stand for — excellence, integrity, and the celebration of Arabian horse heritage.

“Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their remarkable performances. We are honored to bring this experience to such a stunning destination and grateful for the support of our partners who made it possible.”

With $1.63 million in prize money awarded across all classes, the Cannes stage once again cemented its position as a highlight of the GCAT calendar. The results will contribute to the overall tour rankings, bringing competitors closer to the prestigious Leading Male, Leading Female, and Top Handler titles.

The competitors were challenging for a chance to qualify for the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, which is set to take place in December in Doha.

Meanwhile, the tour continues to its sixth destination in the Europe and Middle East Series at Valkenswaard in the Netherlands from July 18-20.


Sri Lanka’s Mathews hails ‘dream run’ in final Test against Bangladesh

Updated 16 June 2025
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Sri Lanka’s Mathews hails ‘dream run’ in final Test against Bangladesh

GALLE: Sri Lanka are set to begin a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Galle on Tuesday that will mark the end of Angelo Mathews’s “dream run” in the game’s longest format, as the cricket season resumed following South Africa’s World Test Championship triumph at Lord’s.
The red-ball matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will be followed by a white-ball series of three one-day internationals and three T20s.
Hosts Sri Lanka begin the contest as firm favorites, eager to turn a fresh page after a stuttering end to the previous WTC cycle.
Sri Lanka were firmly in the mix for a place in the WTC final until December before the wheels came off spectacularly.
Two defeats in South Africa followed by a twin collapse at Galle against Australia saw them tumble down the rankings.
“We had one hand on a spot in the final but a few brain fades at crunch moments cost us dearly,” Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva told reporters on Monday.
“We’ve learnt our lessons. A strong home start lays the foundation for success on the road.”


Sri Lanka’s squad includes six uncapped players, with at least one debut cap set to be handed out.
Spin remains Sri Lanka’s strength, with Prabath Jayasuriya the key and selectors also calling up off-spinner Akila Dananjaya.
Bangladesh enter the series without stalwarts Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is realistic about the challenge.
“Tamim and Shakib — those are massive boots to fill,” he said. “But this is a chance for the young guys to put their hands up.”
Shanto, who is playing in Galle for the first time, said the team have “prepped well and we’re ready for the challenge.”
The Test will also be the swansong of Sri Lanka’s veteran Angelo Mathews, who is retiring after 118 Tests.
The former skipper also played his first Test on the famous pitch perched beneath the fortress in Galle in 2009.
“It’s been a dream run,” said 38-year-old Mathews.
“The wins in England in 2014 and whitewashing the Aussies in 2016 stand out. I’ve seen so many youngsters come through the ranks,” he said.
“I truly believe Sri Lanka’s future is in good hands.”
Sri Lanka have won 20 of the 26 Tests they have played against Bangladesh, who have only managed a solitary win along with five draws.
The second Test will begin in Colombo on June 25.


German regulator pushes for more fan control of soccer clubs like Bayer Leverkusen

Updated 16 June 2025
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German regulator pushes for more fan control of soccer clubs like Bayer Leverkusen

  • Top German soccer clubs including Bayer Leverkusen and Leipzig face the prospect of handing over more control to fans after a regulator intervened

BONN: Top German soccer clubs including Bayer Leverkusen and Leipzig face the prospect of handing over more control to fans after a regulator intervened.
A statement Monday from Germany’s antitrust regulator, the Federal Cartel Office, said it wants to see tighter enforcement of the rule known as 50-plus-1 which requires a soccer club’s membership to have majority voting rights over how the team is run.
The regulator said recent European court rulings suggest permanent exemptions from 50-plus-1 for last year’s champion Leverkusen and fellow top-tier club Wolfsburg seem “no longer possible.”
It said efforts should be made in the future to ensure the club’s professional soccer operations come under the control of membership organizations, but didn’t name any deadline.
Leverkusen and Wolfsburg were founded as workers’ teams at major companies which own the clubs, with pharmaceutical giant Bayer at Leverkusen, and car manufacturer Volkswagen at Wolfsburg. Their long-term involvement led to the clubs getting exemptions from 50-plus-1.
The regulator also said the German men’s soccer league needs to ensure the clubs it oversees “offer their fans the opportunity to become a new full member with voting rights.”
That appears to affect Leipzig and its relationship with drinks giant Red Bull, though they weren’t directly named by the regulator in Tuesday’s statement.
The club was founded by Red Bull in 2009 and is part of its international network of soccer clubs. It grants voting rights to far fewer people than most German clubs. Local media reported that only 23 members had the right to vote at Leipzig as of last year.