PSL X: Islamabad United Win Inaugural Match Against Lahore Qalandars

Qalandars are now 96 for 6 in 14 overs.

Another long hop, but it was a googly, and Billings couldn’t get the power on it as he tried to slap it over long-on. It kept low on him, and all he managed to do was spoon it straight to Salman Agha for a three-ball duck. Qalandars losing wickets liberally now.

imad — Islamabad United’s Imad Wasim (R) celebrates with Shadab Khan (L) after the dismissal of Lahore Qalandars’ Daryl Mitchell (Photo from AFP)

The Pakistan Super League’s 10th season (PSL X) is set to begin on Friday night (today) under the glittering lights of Pindi Cricket Stadium, with defending champion Islamabad United to take on Lahore Qalandars.

It’s a 🦆!

The Shadab Khan x Salman Ali Agha duo gets Sam Billings 🙌🏻#HBLPSLX l #ApnaXHai l #IUvLQ pic.twitter.com/hfPiDXeafM

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 11, 2025

Islamabad United and bitter rivals Lahore Qalandars will square off in what looks to be an exciting first match that sets the tone for an intensely contested tourney. In what could be one of the most thrilling PSL seasons ever, both teams are full of hope and confidence and are ready to outperform one another.

In a total of 19 matches played, Islamabad United emerged victorious in 10 of them, while Lahore Qalandars won 9 matches.

Pitch Report

Pacers are expected to get good assistance from the pitch with extra bounce, while spinners might find some average turn. With these conditions, a high-scoring contest is likely in the season opener.

Islamabad United

Who’s in?

Defending champions Islamabad United retained eight players ahead of this season, only one of them overseas (Colin Munro). They have roped in the likes of Matthew Short, Jason Holder and USA wicketkeeper Andries Gous for this year, along with domestic performers Muhammad Shahzad and Sahibzada Farhan.

Who’s out?

The foreign contingent has been turned over almost completely. Alex Hales, Jordan Cox, Tom Curran, Matthew Forde, Obed McCoy and Tymal Mills were all released, as was recently-recalled Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 2025

Shadab Khan (c), Matthew Short, Naseem Shah, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Jason Holder, Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Ben Dwarshuis, Salman Irshad, Colin Munro, Andries Gous, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Nawaz, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Rassie van der Dussen, Muhammad Shahzad, Sahibzada Farhan.

Lahore Qalandars

Who’s in?

Daryl Mitchell was overlooked by IPL franchises, and could be the PSL – and Lahore Qalandars’ – gain. English wicketkeeper Sam Billings is also a solid pickup. LQ also secured the signing of Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, and Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera.

Who’s out?

Most notably, Rashid Khan, who is at the IPL. George Linde and Shai Hope are also solid players who have left LQ, while Sahibzada Farhan, currently in red-hot form, has also left the side.

Lahore Qalandars squad for PSL 2025

Shaheen Afridi (c), Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell, Haris Rauf, Kusal Perera, Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, David Wiese, Muhammd Akhlaq, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Azab, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Naeem, Sam Billings, Salman Ali Mirza, Tom Curran.

The opening ceremony for PSL 2025 will precede the first match of the tournament: here’s the full list of performers, event timings, and where to follow it live.

What is the PSL 2025 schedule?

The tournament, which coincides with the IPL, starts on April 11, with the first match between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars, led by Shadab Khan and Shaheen Afridi, in Rawalpindi.

The tournament will run until May 18.