Key Points
- COAS Gen. Asim Munir’s arrival, alongside top officials, added patriotic fervor to the match, complemented by a stirring musical tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces.
- Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions, an Indian drone was shot down near Rawalpindi Stadium.
- COAS’s visit, symbolized strength and unity among the nation and cricket-loving citizens.
- The game highlighted the emotional restart of PSL 10 after a nine-day suspension due to Pakistan-India tensions, reigniting national spirit on and off the field.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League roared back to life after a tense nine-day break, and the Karachi Kings made a thunderous return, posting a mammoth 238-run target for Peshawar Zalmi in the 27th match of PSL Season 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
During the mid-innings break, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir arrived at the stadium, flanked by DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, adding a sense of national pride to the cricketing spectacle. The atmosphere was further electrified by a soul-stirring musical performance, where patriotic anthems echoed through the stadium, igniting a wave of unity and pride among the spectators.
It is worth noting that during the recent border tensions between India and Pakistan, India launched multiple drone incursions into Pakistani territory, one of which was brought down near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where COAS Gen. Asim Munir arrived to express unity and unwavering support among the thousands of passionate cricket fans. The moment served as a powerful symbol of resilience, blending the spirit of sport with the strength of national resolve.
A dazzling fireworks 🎇 tribute to honour our Nation’s Armed Forces at Rawalpindi Stadium! 🇵🇰✨#HBLPSLX | #ApnaXHai pic.twitter.com/8Ko7Sl1uOc
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 17, 2025
Reigniting the league with fireworks both on and off the field, the Kings piled up 237 for 4 in their 20 overs, thanks to a masterful 162-run stand between skipper David Warner and England’s James Vince. Warner blazed his way to a commanding 86 off 50 deliveries, while Vince hammered 72 off 42, treating a packed Rawalpindi crowd to an explosive second-wicket partnership that laid the foundation for the Kings’ dominance.
As if the carnage wasn’t enough, Khushdil Shah added late-innings fuel to the fire, smashing a blistering 43 off just 15 balls*, while Mohammad Nabi chipped in with a rapid-fire 26 from 10*, propelling the Kings to one of the highest totals of the season.
For Zalmi, Luke Wood stood out amid the batting storm, taking 2 for 19 in his spell, offering a rare moment of control.
The match was more than just cricket—it marked a symbolic restart of PSL 10, suspended earlier due to heightened Pakistan-India tensions that also brought the IPL 2025 to a halt. The resumption came a week after both nations declared a ceasefire, allowing sports to resume on calmer footing.
To honour the resilience and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces during the regional standoff, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) orchestrated a stirring tribute mid-event. Acclaimed artists Sahir Ali Bagga and Asrar Shah delivered electrifying musical performances, culminating in a dazzling fireworks display that lit up the Rawalpindi sky.
The emotionally charged ceremony served as a national salute to the military’s valor during recent hostilities—adding a layer of patriotism to the cricketing spectacle.
Playing XIs:
Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Luke Wood, Ahmed Daniyal, Arif Yaqoob, Ali Raza.
Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Ben McDermott, James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza.
