<p>Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani has been handed a two-year ban from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after signing with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League last month. The 29-year-old had earlier been contracted to Islamabad United but withdrew to take up the IPL opportunity.</p><p>In an official statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Muzarabani will be banned from participating in the next two PSL seasons with immediate effect.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the PSL, effective immediately," the PCB said in a statement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-will-varun-chakravarthy-play-vs-csk-kkr-provides-update-1776154376390"><strong>IPL 2026: Will Varun Chakravarthy play vs CSK? KKR provides update</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pakistan Cricket Board stated that by taking part in a “conflicting engagement,” the 29-year-old had violated professional standards.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Professionalism in franchise-based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game," the PSL said in a statement on Tuesday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Such conduct, if left unaddressed, erodes the reliability of dealings and the confidence that franchises, regulators, and stakeholders place in professional engagements. The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach," it added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-gt-csk-fixtures-swapped-after-venue-twist-here-s-why-1776149228679"><strong>IPL 2026: GT-CSK fixtures swapped after venue twist - Here's why</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Muzarabani is not alone in stepping away from PSL commitments in favor of the IPL. Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka recently left Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Similarly, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch received a one-year PSL ban last year after opting to play for Mumbai Indians despite being signed by Peshawar Zalmi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 2026 PSL season is currently being staged in Lahore and Karachi without spectators due to an oil crisis linked to tensions in West Asia. However, discussions are expected between the PCB and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the possible return of fans to the stadiums.</p>

Kolkata Knight Riders approached pacer Blessing Muzarabani after being instructed to release Mustafizur Rahman.

Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani has been handed a two-year ban from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after signing with Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League last month. The 29-year-old had earlier been contracted to Islamabad United but withdrew to take up the IPL opportunity. In an official statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Muzarabani will be banned from participating in the next two PSL seasons with immediate effect. “Following a thorough disciplinary review, the PCB has announced that Zimbabwean cricketer Blessing Muzarabani is declared ineligible to participate in the next two editions of the PSL, effective immediately," the PCB said in a statement. Also Read - IPL 2026: Will Varun Chakravarthy play vs CSK? KKR provides update The Pakistan Cricket Board stated that by taking part in a “conflicting engagement,” the 29-year-old had violated professional standards. “Professionalism in franchise-based leagues requires participants to act with transparency and consistency. Entering into a conflicting engagement while a prior binding agreement subsists represents a departure from the expected standards of the game," the PSL said in a statement on Tuesday. “Such conduct, if left unaddressed, erodes the reliability of dealings and the confidence that franchises, regulators, and stakeholders place in professional engagements. The two-year ban reflects the gravity of the breach," it added. Also Read - IPL 2026: GT-CSK fixtures swapped after venue twist - Here's why Muzarabani is not alone in stepping away from PSL commitments in favor of the IPL. Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka recently left Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals. Similarly, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch received a one-year PSL ban last year after opting to play for Mumbai Indians despite being signed by Peshawar Zalmi. The 2026 PSL season is currently being staged in Lahore and Karachi without spectators due to an oil crisis linked to tensions in West Asia. However, discussions are expected between the PCB and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the possible return of fans to the stadiums.

<p>Kolkata Knight Riders approached pacer Blessing Muzarabani after being instructed to release Mustafizur Rahman.</p>

Blessing Muzarabani banned by PCB after choosing IPL over Pakistan league

<p>Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam etched his name into the record books on Thursday (Apr 9) by becoming the quickest player to reach 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved the milestone in his 338th innings during his 351st T20 appearance in Karachi, surpassing the previous record held by Chris Gayle. The former West Indies opener, who remains the all-time leading run-scorer in T20s, had taken 343 innings to reach the same landmark, while India’s Virat Kohli sits third on the list, having done so in 360 innings.</p><h2>Fastest to 12,000 T20 runs (by innings)</h2><ul><li>Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 338 innings</li><li>Chris Gayle (West Indies) - &nbsp;343 innings</li><li>Virat Kohli (India) - 360 innings</li></ul><p><strong>Also Reads - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ayush-badoni-joins-kl-rahul-nicholas-pooran-in-elite-list-becomes-third-lsg-player-to-achieve-this-milestone-1775806736648"><strong>Badoni enters elite LSG list with Rahul, Pooran; third to reach this milestone</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the Pakistan Super League 2026 clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, Babar needed just 13 runs to hit the milestone and he got there comfortably in the fourth over of the innings.</p>

<p>He is now only the second Pakistani batter to cross 12,000 T20 runs, with Shoaib Malik still leading the charts with 13,571 runs from 557 matches between 2005 and 2025.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the same match, Babar delivered a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 51 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes. He built a crucial 191-run partnership for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis, powering Zalmi to a huge total of 246/3.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-was-finn-allen-not-out-kkr-react-to-controversial-catch-by-lsg-s-rathi-1775806659107"><strong>IPL 2026 | Was Allen not out? KKR react to controversial catch by LSG's Rathi</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Mendis was also the standout performer, smashing 109 off 52 balls with 14 fours and four sixes. After his dismissal, Abdul Samad provided a late surge, scoring an unbeaten 40 from just 12 deliveries and adding 49 runs alongside Babar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chasing a massive total of 247, Karachi Kings were bundled out for just 87, courtesy of some brilliant bowling from Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Sufiyan Muqeem, with each bowler scalping three wickets each.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>With inputs from agencies</strong></i></p>

Babar Azam is now only the second Pakistani batter to cross 12,000 T20 runs, with Shoaib Malik still leading the charts with 13,571 runs from 557 matches between 2005 and 2025.

Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam etched his name into the record books on Thursday (Apr 9) by becoming the quickest player to reach 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved the milestone in his 338th innings during his 351st T20 appearance in Karachi, surpassing the previous record held by Chris Gayle. The former West Indies opener, who remains the all-time leading run-scorer in T20s, had taken 343 innings to reach the same landmark, while India’s Virat Kohli sits third on the list, having done so in 360 innings. Fastest to 12,000 T20 runs (by innings) Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 338 innings Chris Gayle (West Indies) - 343 innings Virat Kohli (India) - 360 innings Also Reads - Badoni enters elite LSG list with Rahul, Pooran; third to reach this milestone In the Pakistan Super League 2026 clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, Babar needed just 13 runs to hit the milestone and he got there comfortably in the fourth over of the innings.

<p>Babar Azam is now only the second Pakistani batter to cross 12,000 T20 runs, with Shoaib Malik still leading the charts with 13,571 runs from 557 matches between 2005 and 2025.</p>

Babar Azam breaks Chris Gayle’s record, becomes fastest to 12,000 T20 runs

<p>Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches after being found guilty of ball-tampering during Pakistan Super League fixture between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. The left-handed batter was ruled to have violated Article 2.14 of the Pakistan Cricket Board Code of Conduct, which addresses illegal alteration of the ball under Clause 41.3 of PSL playing conditions. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Sharfuddoula Saikat, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Fakhar rejected the accusation and opted for a full disciplinary hearing conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct. The proceedings were overseen by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who delivered the decision after reviewing the evidence and hearing Fakhar’s defence.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/love-for-whistle-podu-family-rr-ravindra-jadeja-sinks-chennai-but-kisses-csk-badge-in-emotional-tribute-ipl-2026-viral-moment-1774955966176"><strong>‘Love for Whistle Podu Family’: Jadeja sinks Chennai but kisses CSK badge in emotional tribute</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearings.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As a result of the ban, Fakhar Zaman will miss the upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.</p><h2>What led to the controversy?</h2><p>The incident occurred in the final over of Karachi Kings’ tense four-wicket victory win over Lahore Qalandars, which concluded with three balls remaining. With 14 runs needed from six deliveries, Fakhar, Haris Rauf and Shaheen were seen handling the ball near the bowler’s mark and this raised suspicion, prompting umpire Faisal Afridi to call for an inspection.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/5-days-into-psl-2026-and-three-pakistani-stars-shaheen-afridi-fakhar-zaman-naseem-shah-face-fines-suspensions-punjab-cm-maryam-nawaz-ball-tampering-1774961564178"><strong>5 days into PSL 2026 and three Pakistani stars face fines and suspensions; details inside</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After consulting with his colleague, the officials concluded that the ball’s condition had been deliberately altered and as a penalty, Karachi Kings were awarded five extra runs and the ball was replaced, reducing the target to nine from six balls.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Although Khushdil Shah was dismissed on the first delivery of the over, Rauf followed with a wide, before Abbas Afridi struck a boundary and a six to secure a dramatic win.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With Fakhar sidelined, Lahore may look to Tayyab Tahir as a replacement. The right-hander has yet to play this season but has previously featured in 14 PSL matches.</p>

As a result of the ban, Fakhar Zaman will miss the upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two matches after being found guilty of ball-tampering during Pakistan Super League fixture between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. The left-handed batter was ruled to have violated Article 2.14 of the Pakistan Cricket Board Code of Conduct, which addresses illegal alteration of the ball under Clause 41.3 of PSL playing conditions. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Sharfuddoula Saikat, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar rejected the accusation and opted for a full disciplinary hearing conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct. The proceedings were overseen by match referee Roshan Mahanama, who delivered the decision after reviewing the evidence and hearing Fakhar’s defence. Also Read - ‘Love for Whistle Podu Family’: Jadeja sinks Chennai but kisses CSK badge in emotional tribute Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, team director Sameen Rana and team manager Farooq Anwar were also present during the hearings. As a result of the ban, Fakhar Zaman will miss the upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi. What led to the controversy? The incident occurred in the final over of Karachi Kings’ tense four-wicket victory win over Lahore Qalandars, which concluded with three balls remaining. With 14 runs needed from six deliveries, Fakhar, Haris Rauf and Shaheen were seen handling the ball near the bowler’s mark and this raised suspicion, prompting umpire Faisal Afridi to call for an inspection. Also Read - 5 days into PSL 2026 and three Pakistani stars face fines and suspensions; details inside After consulting with his colleague, the officials concluded that the ball’s condition had been deliberately altered and as a penalty, Karachi Kings were awarded five extra runs and the ball was replaced, reducing the target to nine from six balls. Although Khushdil Shah was dismissed on the first delivery of the over, Rauf followed with a wide, before Abbas Afridi struck a boundary and a six to secure a dramatic win. With Fakhar sidelined, Lahore may look to Tayyab Tahir as a replacement. The right-hander has yet to play this season but has previously featured in 14 PSL matches.

<p>As a result of the ban, Fakhar Zaman will miss the upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on April 3 in Lahore and Islamabad United on April 9 in Karachi.</p>

Fakhar Zaman handed two-match suspension in PSL over ball-tampering

<p>Uncertainty still surrounds the upcoming 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following new threats concerning foreign players participating in the tournament. According to media reports, several cricket boards have been warned by a Pakistan-based armed group against sending their players for PSL 2026. Top overseas stars such as David Warner and Steve Smith are among those expected to feature in the league. Reports also suggest that a senior commander from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, warned cricket boards not to send players to Pakistan, stating they would not take responsibility if anything happens.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We want to advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players to Pakistan. If something happens to them, it will not be our responsibility. We have already warned them," The Sunday Guardian quoted a senior commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar as saying.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-think-he-will-ever-get-professional-vaibhav-suryavanshi-receives-harsh-criticism-ahead-of-ipl-2026-jitesh-sharma-rajasthan-royals-ab-de-villiers-1774263965597"><strong>‘I don’t think he will ever get professional’: Vaibhav Suryavanshi receives harsh criticism ahead of IPL 2026</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The commander reportedly also confirmed that the warning is real and said they would try to stop matches from happening.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Yes, we will do our best to ensure that the matches do not happen and the players do not play," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>David Warner is set to captain Karachi Kings, while Smith is expected to make his PSL debut with Multan Sultans and he has already left for Pakistan. Other international stars, including Marnus Labuschagne, Moeen Ali, Devon Conway and Adam Zampa, are also part of PSL 2026.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The tournament is scheduled to begin on Mar 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi, however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-indian-captain-ms-dhoni-honours-t20-world-cup-winners-sanju-samson-shivam-dube-at-csk-event-1774253159771"><strong>Former Indian captain MS Dhoni honours T20 WC winners Samson, Dube at CSK event</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that crowds will not be allowed in stadiums during this period, as gathering large numbers of people would not be safe while the situation remains tense. The decision comes due to the fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“We can’t ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day," Naqvi said on Sunday. “We decided that as long as this crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches. This was a difficult decision, but it needed to be made. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled."</p>

The PSL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi; however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.

Uncertainty still surrounds the upcoming 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) following new threats concerning foreign players participating in the tournament. According to media reports, several cricket boards have been warned by a Pakistan-based armed group against sending their players for PSL 2026. Top overseas stars such as David Warner and Steve Smith are among those expected to feature in the league. Reports also suggest that a senior commander from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, warned cricket boards not to send players to Pakistan, stating they would not take responsibility if anything happens. “We want to advise the relevant cricket boards not to send their players to Pakistan. If something happens to them, it will not be our responsibility. We have already warned them," The Sunday Guardian quoted a senior commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar as saying. Also Read - ‘I don’t think he will ever get professional’: Vaibhav Suryavanshi receives harsh criticism ahead of IPL 2026 The commander reportedly also confirmed that the warning is real and said they would try to stop matches from happening. “Yes, we will do our best to ensure that the matches do not happen and the players do not play," he added. David Warner is set to captain Karachi Kings, while Smith is expected to make his PSL debut with Multan Sultans and he has already left for Pakistan. Other international stars, including Marnus Labuschagne, Moeen Ali, Devon Conway and Adam Zampa, are also part of PSL 2026. The tournament is scheduled to begin on Mar 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi, however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled. Also Read - Former Indian captain MS Dhoni honours T20 WC winners Samson, Dube at CSK event Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi said that crowds will not be allowed in stadiums during this period, as gathering large numbers of people would not be safe while the situation remains tense. The decision comes due to the fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “We can’t ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day," Naqvi said on Sunday. “We decided that as long as this crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches. This was a difficult decision, but it needed to be made. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled."

<p>The PSL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26, with 44 matches planned in Lahore and Karachi; however, the opening ceremony has been cancelled.</p>

Warner, Smith urged to ‘withdraw immediately’ from PSL 2026 after threat from armed group

<p>Pakistan’s premier T20 franchise league, Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to be played behind closed doors as tensions in West Asia are yet to cool down. After the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran and then a retaliatory attack from Iran, civil unrest has been seen in the Gulf region. As a result, tension in the West Asia region is at an all-time high with attacks on US air bases in Qatar, Bahrain and other surrounding regions. To take a safe stand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will host this year’s PSL in two cities – Lahore and Karachi, with matches being played behind closed doors.</p><h2><strong>PSL behind close doors</strong></h2><p>Pakistan depends on oil and gas from the Gulf and the government has, in recent weeks, introduced a series of fuel-saving measures over fears of a drop in supply. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decisions on the PSL were taken after consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The prime minister has requested restricted movements of people because of the fuel crisis so we have decided that the PSL would continue as per the original schedule but without crowds," Naqvi told a press conference in Lahore.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To stop fans travelling, the eight-team league has also been reduced to two venues, and not the original six, meaning Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Peshawar miss out.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"All PSL matches will now take place in Lahore and Karachi and we hope the league could be held with crowds but that would be contingent on the crisis in Iran ending," said Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The PSL began in 2016 on neutral grounds in the United Arab Emirates due to safety fears in Pakistan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I feel for the Peshawar crowds who were due to watch a match for the first time," said Naqvi.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Naqvi said the PCB would compensate the franchise owners for the loss of revenue because of no crowds. The majority of gate money goes to the franchises. The 11th edition of PSL will run until May 3.</p>

Pakistan depends on oil and gas from the Gulf and the government has, in recent weeks, introduced a series of fuel-saving measures over fears of a drop in supply. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decisions on the PSL were taken after consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan’s premier T20 franchise league, Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to be played behind closed doors as tensions in West Asia are yet to cool down. After the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran and then a retaliatory attack from Iran, civil unrest has been seen in the Gulf region. As a result, tension in the West Asia region is at an all-time high with attacks on US air bases in Qatar, Bahrain and other surrounding regions. To take a safe stand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will host this year’s PSL in two cities – Lahore and Karachi, with matches being played behind closed doors. PSL behind close doors Pakistan depends on oil and gas from the Gulf and the government has, in recent weeks, introduced a series of fuel-saving measures over fears of a drop in supply. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decisions on the PSL were taken after consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds "The prime minister has requested restricted movements of people because of the fuel crisis so we have decided that the PSL would continue as per the original schedule but without crowds," Naqvi told a press conference in Lahore. To stop fans travelling, the eight-team league has also been reduced to two venues, and not the original six, meaning Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Peshawar miss out. "All PSL matches will now take place in Lahore and Karachi and we hope the league could be held with crowds but that would be contingent on the crisis in Iran ending," said Naqvi, who is also Pakistan's interior minister. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli The PSL began in 2016 on neutral grounds in the United Arab Emirates due to safety fears in Pakistan. "I feel for the Peshawar crowds who were due to watch a match for the first time," said Naqvi. Naqvi said the PCB would compensate the franchise owners for the loss of revenue because of no crowds. The majority of gate money goes to the franchises. The 11th edition of PSL will run until May 3.

<p>Pakistan depends on oil and gas from the Gulf and the government has, in recent weeks, introduced a series of fuel-saving measures over fears of a drop in supply. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decisions on the PSL were taken after consultation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.</p>

Pakistan's PSL to be held behind closed doors, Lahore and Karachi to host matches amid West Asia unrest

<p>It has not been a happy few days for Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad after he broke down on live television on Wednesday (Feb 12). Shehzad, who holds a unique record of scoring hundreds in all three formats of cricket for Pakistan, was seen emotional on Geo News’ comedy talk show Hasna Mana Hai. This came after the cricketer went unsold in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) auctions.</p><h2><strong>Emotional Shehzad breaks down on live TV</strong></h2><p>“Yes, I do get emotional. When I speak honestly, it hurts a lot. I want to play. The way you said all my batch-mates are playing, that makes me happy for them. I’m that kind of person: when something good happens for someone, I genuinely feel happy,” Shehzad said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185"><strong>Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“But of course, I also wonder what the reasons were. Why did this happen? If things had not gone this way… everything started in front of my eyes. I’ve spent 18 years in this field, and suddenly seeing it all slip away — I remember it all, and it makes me cry,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shehzad, now 34, has not played international cricket for more than six years and last represented the national side in October 2019. In addition, he has not played any competitive cricket since February 2024, almost two years since his last match.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691"><strong>From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, Shehzad’s latest snub came as a big blow to him as he tries to return to the cricketing field. Overall, Shehzad has a very impressive record for the national side, having scored almost 5000 runs for Pakistan. This includes 10 international hundreds, with six coming in the ODIs. He also has three hundreds in the Tests, with 176 being his best score. In addition, Shehzad has 25 fifties across all formats while also bagging two wickets in the ODIs.</p>

Ahmed Shehzad, now 34, has not played international cricket for more than six years and last represented the national side in October 2019.

It has not been a happy few days for Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad after he broke down on live television on Wednesday (Feb 12). Shehzad, who holds a unique record of scoring hundreds in all three formats of cricket for Pakistan, was seen emotional on Geo News’ comedy talk show Hasna Mana Hai. This came after the cricketer went unsold in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) auctions. Emotional Shehzad breaks down on live TV “Yes, I do get emotional. When I speak honestly, it hurts a lot. I want to play. The way you said all my batch-mates are playing, that makes me happy for them. I’m that kind of person: when something good happens for someone, I genuinely feel happy,” Shehzad said. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli “But of course, I also wonder what the reasons were. Why did this happen? If things had not gone this way… everything started in front of my eyes. I’ve spent 18 years in this field, and suddenly seeing it all slip away — I remember it all, and it makes me cry,” he added. Shehzad, now 34, has not played international cricket for more than six years and last represented the national side in October 2019. In addition, he has not played any competitive cricket since February 2024, almost two years since his last match. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds However, Shehzad’s latest snub came as a big blow to him as he tries to return to the cricketing field. Overall, Shehzad has a very impressive record for the national side, having scored almost 5000 runs for Pakistan. This includes 10 international hundreds, with six coming in the ODIs. He also has three hundreds in the Tests, with 176 being his best score. In addition, Shehzad has 25 fifties across all formats while also bagging two wickets in the ODIs.

<p>Ahmed Shehzad, now 34, has not played international cricket for more than six years and last represented the national side in October 2019.</p>

‘My 9-year-old son wanted me to play’: Pakistan cricketer breaks down on live TV after PSL snub

<p>The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has expanded to eight teams after addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot as the two new franchises on Thursday (Jan 8). The new teams will take part in the PSL 2026. Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen was also expected to bid for one of the team but pulled out at the last minute. The two franchise were sold for a combined total of US $ 12.75 million (INR 115 crore approx) - less than the money spent to buy top 9 players at the recently concluded IPL 2026 auction.</p><h2>Two new PSL franchises sold for less top 9 IPL 2026 buys</h2><p>The two new PSL franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, were sold for US $6.2 million (Pakistan Rupees 175 crore) and US $6.55 million (Pakistan Rupees 185 crore), respectively. The price of two franchise in Indian Rupees stand at 55.57 crore for Hyderabad and 58.38 crore for Sialkot. For comparison, below are the price tags of top 9 players sold at the IPL 2026 auction:</p><p>Cameron Green: ₹25.20 crore (KKR)<br>Matheesha Pathirana: ₹18.00 crore (KKR)<br>Prashant Veer: ₹14.20 crore (CSK)<br>Kartik Sharma: ₹14.20 crore (CSK)<br>Liam Livingstone: ₹13.00 crore (SRH)<br>Mustafizur Rahman: ₹9.20 crore (KKR)<br>Josh Inglis: ₹8.60 crore (LSG)<br>Shahrukh Khan: ₹8.00 crore (MI)<br>Riyan Parag: ₹7.80 crore (RR)</p><p>The price of top 9 players in IPL 2026 auction was INR 118.2 crore - nearly INR 3 crore more than the price of two new PSL franchises.</p><h2>Who owns the two new PSL franchises?</h2><p>OZ Developers own the Sialkot franchise after successfully winning the bid while FSK developers are the owners of Hyderabad franchise in PSL.</p><h2>What is drama around Ali Tareen?</h2><p>Multan Sultan' former owner Ali Tareen had a fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and no longer owns a franchise in PSL. He was expected to bid for one of the two new franchises but pulled out at the last moment with a post on X which read: :If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home. When the Multan team is being sold, we'll be ready. Wishing all the bidders the best."</p>

The two PSL franchise, Hyderabad and Sialkot, were sold for a combined total of US $ 12.75 million (INR 115 crore approx) - less than the money spent to buy top 9 players at the recently concluded IPL 2026 auction - INR 118 crore.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has expanded to eight teams after addition of Hyderabad and Sialkot as the two new franchises on Thursday (Jan 8). The new teams will take part in the PSL 2026. Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen was also expected to bid for one of the team but pulled out at the last minute. The two franchise were sold for a combined total of US $ 12.75 million (INR 115 crore approx) - less than the money spent to buy top 9 players at the recently concluded IPL 2026 auction. Two new PSL franchises sold for less top 9 IPL 2026 buys The two new PSL franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot, were sold for US $6.2 million (Pakistan Rupees 175 crore) and US $6.55 million (Pakistan Rupees 185 crore), respectively. The price of two franchise in Indian Rupees stand at 55.57 crore for Hyderabad and 58.38 crore for Sialkot. For comparison, below are the price tags of top 9 players sold at the IPL 2026 auction: Cameron Green: ₹25.20 crore (KKR) Matheesha Pathirana: ₹18.00 crore (KKR) Prashant Veer: ₹14.20 crore (CSK) Kartik Sharma: ₹14.20 crore (CSK) Liam Livingstone: ₹13.00 crore (SRH) Mustafizur Rahman: ₹9.20 crore (KKR) Josh Inglis: ₹8.60 crore (LSG) Shahrukh Khan: ₹8.00 crore (MI) Riyan Parag: ₹7.80 crore (RR) The price of top 9 players in IPL 2026 auction was INR 118.2 crore - nearly INR 3 crore more than the price of two new PSL franchises. Who owns the two new PSL franchises? OZ Developers own the Sialkot franchise after successfully winning the bid while FSK developers are the owners of Hyderabad franchise in PSL. What is drama around Ali Tareen? Multan Sultan' former owner Ali Tareen had a fallout with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and no longer owns a franchise in PSL. He was expected to bid for one of the two new franchises but pulled out at the last moment with a post on X which read: :If I come back to PSL, it has to be for the same reason. South Punjab is where my heart is. It is home. When the Multan team is being sold, we'll be ready. Wishing all the bidders the best."

<p>The two PSL franchise, Hyderabad and Sialkot, were sold for a combined total of US $ 12.75 million (INR 115 crore approx) - less than the money spent to buy top 9 players at the recently concluded IPL 2026 auction - INR 118 crore.</p>

PSL Expansion: New Hyderabad & Sialkot teams cost less than IPL 2026’s top 9 players combined

<p>Former Indian Premier League (IPL) winner Faf du Plessis has officially pulled out of the coveted tournament after confirming the same on his social media handle on Saturday (Nov 29). Du Plessis, who the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021, played in 154 IPL matches and was a handy player, also confirmed his commitment to the Pakistan Super League. The former South Africa captain won’t be in the auction pool for IPL 2026, which takes place on Dec 16 in Abu Dhabi.</p>

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<h2><strong>Faf pulls out of IPL 2026 auction</strong></h2><p>“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year,” he wrote. “This league has been a massive part of my journey. I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion is like nothing else.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046"><strong>From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Fourteen years is a long time, and I’m proud of what this chapter has meant to me. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’t goodbye — you’ll see me again.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” he said in the post. “A new country. A new environment. A new challenge. I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636"><strong>From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Du Plessis has been one of the best foreign players in the history of the IPL and scored 4773 runs in 154 matches. During his IPL career, he played for Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Benglauru (RCB). His career highlight was the 2021 IPL win with CSK, where he was second second-highest scorer with 633 runs while missing out on the Orange Cap by just two runs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His commitment to the PSL also means Du Plessis has all but shut down his way back to the IPL. His desire to play in the league comes after he has played 14 seasons in the world’s richest cricket league.</p>

Faf du Plessis, who the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021, played in 154 IPL matches and was a handy player, also confirmed his commitment to the Pakistan Super League. 

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) winner Faf du Plessis has officially pulled out of the coveted tournament after confirming the same on his social media handle on Saturday (Nov 29). Du Plessis, who the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021, played in 154 IPL matches and was a handy player, also confirmed his commitment to the Pakistan Super League. The former South Africa captain won’t be in the auction pool for IPL 2026, which takes place on Dec 16 in Abu Dhabi.

<p>Du Plessis, who the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2021, played in 154 IPL matches and was a handy player, also confirmed his commitment to the Pakistan Super League.&nbsp;</p>

Faf du Plessis pulls out of IPL 2026 auctions, confirms commitment to Pakistan Super League

<p>Sikandar Raza hit the winning runs to seal the Pakistan Super League title for Lahore Qalandars on Sunday, having landed just 10 minutes before the toss after a mad dash from England.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 39-year-old was carried off the field on the shoulders of his celebrating teammates after having jumped on a plane to Pakistan straight after Zimbabwe's innings defeat in the Nottingham Test on Saturday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Raza hit 22 not out with two sixes and two fours to give the home team a thrilling six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators with one ball to spare.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch, took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan," said Raza, who scored a half-century in his country's heavy defeat to England.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I guess this is the life of a professional cricketer, and I'm truly humbled and blessed to have that life."</p><p>Needing 13 off the last over to complete a 202-run chase, Raza struck a six and a four to help seal the title.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sri Lankan Kusal Perera led the chase with an undefeated 31-ball 62 studded with five boundaries and four sixes, adding 59 runs during the unbroken fifth-wicket stand.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Opener Mohammad Naeem scored 46, with half a dozen sixes and one boundary, and Abdullah Shafique hit 41 to set Lahore on course to make the highest successful chase in a PSL final.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lahore sealed their third title following triumphs in 2022 and 2023. Hasan Nawaz scored a brilliant 76 to lift Quetta to 201-9 after they won the toss and batted. Coming in at 21-2, Nawaz added 67 for the fourth wicket with Avishka Fernando (29) and 46 with Dinesh Chandimal (22).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of Lahore's bowlers with 3-24. It was Faheem Ashraf (28) who lifted Quetta past 200, taking 23 off the last over from Salman Mirza.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The six-team PSL was suspended on May 9 following the conflict between Pakistan and India. The league resumed on May 17 after a ceasefire between the two countries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Sikandar Raza has breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi and PSL title in Lahore

Sikandar Raza hit the winning runs to seal the Pakistan Super League title for Lahore Qalandars on Sunday, having landed just 10 minutes before the toss after a mad dash from England. The 39-year-old was carried off the field on the shoulders of his celebrating teammates after having jumped on a plane to Pakistan straight after Zimbabwe's innings defeat in the Nottingham Test on Saturday. Raza hit 22 not out with two sixes and two fours to give the home team a thrilling six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators with one ball to spare. "Had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, drove to Abu Dhabi for lunch, took a flight and had dinner in Pakistan," said Raza, who scored a half-century in his country's heavy defeat to England. "I guess this is the life of a professional cricketer, and I'm truly humbled and blessed to have that life." Needing 13 off the last over to complete a 202-run chase, Raza struck a six and a four to help seal the title. Sri Lankan Kusal Perera led the chase with an undefeated 31-ball 62 studded with five boundaries and four sixes, adding 59 runs during the unbroken fifth-wicket stand. Opener Mohammad Naeem scored 46, with half a dozen sixes and one boundary, and Abdullah Shafique hit 41 to set Lahore on course to make the highest successful chase in a PSL final. Lahore sealed their third title following triumphs in 2022 and 2023. Hasan Nawaz scored a brilliant 76 to lift Quetta to 201-9 after they won the toss and batted. Coming in at 21-2, Nawaz added 67 for the fourth wicket with Avishka Fernando (29) and 46 with Dinesh Chandimal (22). Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of Lahore's bowlers with 3-24. It was Faheem Ashraf (28) who lifted Quetta past 200, taking 23 off the last over from Salman Mirza. The six-team PSL was suspended on May 9 following the conflict between Pakistan and India. The league resumed on May 17 after a ceasefire between the two countries. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Raza hit 22 not out with two sixes and two fours to give the home team a thrilling six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators with one ball to spare</p>

<p>The escalation of the Indian-Pakistan tension has lead to the suspension of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> (PSL) 2025, as per reports. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-cricket-board">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> (PCB) said on Wednesday that the T20 league will continue in the aftermath of the Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces, however, things have quickly changed.</p>
<p>According to reports, due to the ongoing India-Pakistan escalating tensions, the rest of the PSL is either to be moved to Karachi, Dubai or Doha.&nbsp;The decision is expected by evening. Besides this, today's match at the Pindi Stadium has also been postponed.</p>
<p>The Pakistan Cricket Board have also urged the cricketers participating in the Pakistan Super League &ndash; which includes the local and the foreign cricketers &ndash; to leave Rawalpindi. This is a major setback for PCB, as the Pakistan Super League was providing some revenue following their losses in the ICC <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> 2025.</p>
<p><span>Media managers from at least three of the six Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises confirmed that none of their foreign players had expressed a desire to leave the country.</span></p>

Due to the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, rest of the PSL is either to be moved to Karachi, Dubai or Doha. The decision is expected by the evening Pakistan, World

The escalation of the Indian-Pakistan tension has lead to the suspension of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, as per reports. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday that the T20 league will continue in the aftermath of the Operation Sindoor by Indian armed forces, however, things have quickly changed. According to reports, due to the ongoing India-Pakistan escalating tensions, the rest of the PSL is either to be moved to Karachi, Dubai or Doha. The decision is expected by evening. Besides this, today's match at the Pindi Stadium has also been postponed. The Pakistan Cricket Board have also urged the cricketers participating in the Pakistan Super League – which includes the local and the foreign cricketers – to leave Rawalpindi. This is a major setback for PCB, as the Pakistan Super League was providing some revenue following their losses in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Media managers from at least three of the six Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises confirmed that none of their foreign players had expressed a desire to leave the country.

India-Pak war | Amid escalating tensions, Pakistan Cricket Board urges PSL players to leave Rawalpindi: Reports

<p>Pakistani anchor Zainab Abbas committed a funny blunder while doing an interview of West Indian fast-bowler Alzarri Joseph. The right-arm pacer is presently playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> 2025.</p>
<p>The incident happened after the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators on Sunday (April 27). Post the innings of Quetta Gladiators, Zainab Abbas interviewed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/alzarri-joseph" rel="dofollow">Alzarri Joseph</a>.</p>
<p>The West Indies ace had a decent spell with the ball as he finished with figures of 3/33 from his 4 overs. Alzarri Joseph provided Zalmi with the initial breakthrough in the game by getting rid off Finn Allen for 31. He then got rid off a settled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/kusal-mendis">Kusal Mendis</a> for 32 before picking wicket of Faheem Ashraf.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pothole-chaos-turns-bengaluru-marathon-into-an-obstacle-course-bjp-mp-tejasvi-surya-hits-out-9011896">Pothole chaos turns Bengaluru Marathon into an obstacle course! BJP MP Tejasvi Surya hits out</a></strong></p>
<p>Arriving for the interview, Alzarri Joseph was left in stitches by Zainab Abbas as she questioned about dismissing Saim Ayub forgetting that they are both teammates.</p>
<h2>Watch the viral video here:</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😭 <a href="https://t.co/NshZxpOglv">https://t.co/NshZxpOglv</a> <a href="https://t.co/K2wpe4Q93u">pic.twitter.com/K2wpe4Q93u</a></p>
&mdash; Hassan (@HassnAbbasian_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HassnAbbasian_/status/1916535465806639286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>"Do you have any specific plan for somebody like Saim Ayub, you got the all-important wicket against him. He has sort of struggled in the PSL, but he's always a crucial wicket because he can sort of take the game away," said Zainab Abbas.</p>
<p>Joseph was surprised by the question and reacted by answering: "Excuse me, who's that?"&nbsp;While Zainab Abbas had the chance to rectify her mistake, she fumbled again and said: "Saim Ayub."</p>
<p>In reply, Joseph reminded the anchor that Ayub is his teamate: "That's my teammate."</p>
<p>Zainab realised her mistake and said: "I'm saying, sorry, what I'm trying to ask is that you know, you've been facing him in the net."</p>

Pakistan, Sports: The incident happened after the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. After the first innings, Zainab Abbas interviewed Alzarri Joseph

Pakistani anchor Zainab Abbas committed a funny blunder while doing an interview of West Indian fast-bowler Alzarri Joseph. The right-arm pacer is presently playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2025. The incident happened after the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators on Sunday (April 27). Post the innings of Quetta Gladiators, Zainab Abbas interviewed Alzarri Joseph. The West Indies ace had a decent spell with the ball as he finished with figures of 3/33 from his 4 overs. Alzarri Joseph provided Zalmi with the initial breakthrough in the game by getting rid off Finn Allen for 31. He then got rid off a settled Kusal Mendis for 32 before picking wicket of Faheem Ashraf. Also Read: Pothole chaos turns Bengaluru Marathon into an obstacle course! BJP MP Tejasvi Surya hits out Arriving for the interview, Alzarri Joseph was left in stitches by Zainab Abbas as she questioned about dismissing Saim Ayub forgetting that they are both teammates. Watch the viral video here: 😭 https://t.co/NshZxpOglv pic.twitter.com/K2wpe4Q93u — Hassan (@HassnAbbasian_) April 27, 2025 "Do you have any specific plan for somebody like Saim Ayub, you got the all-important wicket against him. He has sort of struggled in the PSL, but he's always a crucial wicket because he can sort of take the game away," said Zainab Abbas. Joseph was surprised by the question and reacted by answering: "Excuse me, who's that?" While Zainab Abbas had the chance to rectify her mistake, she fumbled again and said: "Saim Ayub." In reply, Joseph reminded the anchor that Ayub is his teamate: "That's my teammate." Zainab realised her mistake and said: "I'm saying, sorry, what I'm trying to ask is that you know, you've been facing him in the net."

Mic drop moment! Joseph Alzarri schools PSL presenter with epic one-liner!- WATCH

<p>During the ongoing edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> (PSL) 2025, a video has gone viral on social media platforms. The reason? The video shows a teacher supposedly checking examination papers during a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pahalgam-terror-attack-a-minute-silence-no-firecrackers-in-mi-vs-srh-ipl-match-today-8992838">Pahalgam terror attack | IPL 2025, MI vs SRH: BCCI announces 'a minute's silence &amp; no firecrackers,' coach Gambhir says 'India will strike'</a></strong></p>
<p>The teacher was spotted by the cameraman during the 17th over when Peshawar Zalmi were struggling at 117/6. For Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Abdul Samad were at the crease. As the camera moved to her, the teacher gave a light smile.</p>
<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>
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<p>Coming to the match, <span>Peshawar Zalmi captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/babar-azam">Babar Azam</a> found some rhythm of form after poor start to the six-team tournament. Although the right-handed batter scored a 41-ball 46, he failed to hit even one six before being dismissed by spinner Khushdil Shah.</span></p>
<p>Mohammad Haris along with&nbsp; Alzarri Joseph played somw quickfire innings to pull Zalmi to 147/8 in their 20 overs. Chasing down the target, Karachi Kings lost Tim Seifert in the very first ball of the innings as Luke Wood trapped him in front of the wicket. Captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/david-warner">David Warner</a> held their innings together with a 47-ball 60 before being dismissed in the 17th over of the innings.</p>
<article id="fjp-article">
<p>However, Khushdil Shah, who had earlier taken three wickets, held his nerve to guide Karachi Kings over the line with three balls to spare. Karachi Kings won the match by three wickets.</p>
</article>

Pakistan, Sports, Cricket: The teacher was spotted by the cameraman during the 17th over when Peshawar Zalmi were batting. As the camera moved to her, the teacher smiled

During the ongoing edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, a video has gone viral on social media platforms. The reason? The video shows a teacher supposedly checking examination papers during a match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings. Also Read: Pahalgam terror attack | IPL 2025, MI vs SRH: BCCI announces 'a minute's silence & no firecrackers,' coach Gambhir says 'India will strike' The teacher was spotted by the cameraman during the 17th over when Peshawar Zalmi were struggling at 117/6. For Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph and Abdul Samad were at the crease. As the camera moved to her, the teacher gave a light smile. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🦅🇵🇰رِدا چوہدری (@pct_x_rida) Coming to the match, Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam found some rhythm of form after poor start to the six-team tournament. Although the right-handed batter scored a 41-ball 46, he failed to hit even one six before being dismissed by spinner Khushdil Shah. Mohammad Haris along with Alzarri Joseph played somw quickfire innings to pull Zalmi to 147/8 in their 20 overs. Chasing down the target, Karachi Kings lost Tim Seifert in the very first ball of the innings as Luke Wood trapped him in front of the wicket. Captain David Warner held their innings together with a 47-ball 60 before being dismissed in the 17th over of the innings. However, Khushdil Shah, who had earlier taken three wickets, held his nerve to guide Karachi Kings over the line with three balls to spare. Karachi Kings won the match by three wickets.

PSL 2025: Teacher spotted correcting papers during match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings-WATCH

<p>Every year, there is this comparison between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/indian-premier-league" rel="dofollow">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> and its competitor, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league" rel="dofollow">Pakistan Super League (PSL)</a>. While the cash-rich IPL is head and shoulders ahead of every other franchise-based T20 League worldwide, several Pakistan cricketers back their league to scale those heights sooner rather than later. In an interesting incident, a Pakistani cricket fan was filmed watching an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/ipl-2025" rel="dofollow">IPL 2025</a> game while attending a live PSL game, with the video doing rounds on social media.</p>
<p>The video circulating shows a local fan sitting in the stands for a live PSL match, checking the proceedings of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/delhi-capitals" rel="dofollow">Delhi Capitals</a> game in the IPL. The video clip is from past Wednesday (April 16), when Delhi hosted Rajasthan Royals in an evening game, and Islamabad United was facing Multan Sultan in Rawalpindi simultaneously.</p>
<h3>Watch Video -</h3>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9pnqjne-960sz59t-clven6k9">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"If we play well in PSL, viewers will leave the IPL to watch us." <a href="https://t.co/fCRH5peTZk">pic.twitter.com/fCRH5peTZk</a></p>
&mdash; Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/GemsOfCricket/status/1913524312276926949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
<p>Meanwhile, this video emerged days after Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali claimed that PSL&rsquo;s viewership would increase should the quality of the game improve and that the fans would not hesitate to watch PSL over the world-renowned IPL.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Fans watch the tournament where there&rsquo;s good cricket with entertainment. If we play well in the PSL, viewers will leave the IPL to watch us," Hasan said ahead of the tournament&rsquo;s season opener.</p>
<h2>IPL, PSL are underway at the same time</h2>
<p>The two-most-talked about franchise T20 leagues, the IPL and PSL, are running simultaneously, with the best of the best players plying their trades in both.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While IPL manages to rope in every team&rsquo;s first-team players, those not picked in the IPL auction or choose not to register their names in this league in the first place go elsewhere.</p>
<p>Considering the Indian govt and the BCCI have banned Pakistani cricketers from registering their names in IPL auctions due to issues stretching beyond cricket fields, none features, having last played during the inaugural season in 2008.</p>
<p>However, as things stand, in the 18th edition of the IPL, the former five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reeling at the bottom half of the points table. While CSK is down at the tenth position, with just two wins from seven contested matches thus far, Mumbai bettered theirs with two successive victories, collecting six points from seven played games.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals are leading the chart with five wins each, needing at least three more to confirm their playoff berths this year.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

In an interesting incident, a Pakistani cricket fan was filmed watching an IPL game while attending a live PSL game, with the video circulating. Sports, Cricket

Every year, there is this comparison between the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its competitor, the Pakistan Super League (PSL). While the cash-rich IPL is head and shoulders ahead of every other franchise-based T20 League worldwide, several Pakistan cricketers back their league to scale those heights sooner rather than later. In an interesting incident, a Pakistani cricket fan was filmed watching an IPL 2025 game while attending a live PSL game, with the video doing rounds on social media. The video circulating shows a local fan sitting in the stands for a live PSL match, checking the proceedings of a Delhi Capitals game in the IPL. The video clip is from past Wednesday (April 16), when Delhi hosted Rajasthan Royals in an evening game, and Islamabad United was facing Multan Sultan in Rawalpindi simultaneously. Watch Video - "If we play well in PSL, viewers will leave the IPL to watch us." pic.twitter.com/fCRH5peTZk — Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) April 19, 2025 Meanwhile, this video emerged days after Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali claimed that PSL’s viewership would increase should the quality of the game improve and that the fans would not hesitate to watch PSL over the world-renowned IPL. “Fans watch the tournament where there’s good cricket with entertainment. If we play well in the PSL, viewers will leave the IPL to watch us," Hasan said ahead of the tournament’s season opener. IPL, PSL are underway at the same time The two-most-talked about franchise T20 leagues, the IPL and PSL, are running simultaneously, with the best of the best players plying their trades in both. While IPL manages to rope in every team’s first-team players, those not picked in the IPL auction or choose not to register their names in this league in the first place go elsewhere. Considering the Indian govt and the BCCI have banned Pakistani cricketers from registering their names in IPL auctions due to issues stretching beyond cricket fields, none features, having last played during the inaugural season in 2008. However, as things stand, in the 18th edition of the IPL, the former five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reeling at the bottom half of the points table. While CSK is down at the tenth position, with just two wins from seven contested matches thus far, Mumbai bettered theirs with two successive victories, collecting six points from seven played games. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals are leading the chart with five wins each, needing at least three more to confirm their playoff berths this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani fan filmed watching IPL game while attending live PSL match – Video goes viral

<p>Former Australia opener David Warner joined the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/major-league-cricket">Major League Cricket</a> (MLC) franchise Seattle Orcas for the upcoming third edition, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The third season is set to start from June 12-July 13.</p>
<p>Warner is currently participating in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> 2025, where he is leading the Karachi Kings.&nbsp;So far in his cricketing career, the left-hand batter has played a total of 401 T20S where he has scored 12,956 runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.27.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1/formula-1-i-just-turned-in-too-much-says-red-bulls-driver-yuki-after-crashing-out-in-fp2-norris-leads-mclaren-1-2-8978899">Formula 1: 'I just turned in too much', says Red Bulls driver Yuki after crashing out in FP2; Norris leads McLaren 1-2</a></strong></p>
<p>Seattle Orcas had a strong start in the inaugural Major League Cricket season in 2023, finishing at the top of the points table, but fell short in the final against MI New York. However, in the following edition, they finished last under the captaincy of South Africa's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/heinrich-klaasen" rel="dofollow">Heinrich Klaasen</a>'s captaincy. The franchise could only manage to register one win in seven matches.</p>
<h2>Warner went unsold in IPL 2025</h2>
<p>The left-handed batter went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction and missed out on the tournament for the first time since 2009. The southpaw is currently the fourth-highest run-getter in the IPL, with a total of 6,565 runs from 184 innings.</p>
<p>Warner made a strong impact in this year's Big Bash League, returning as captain of the Sydney Thunder and guiding the team to the final. He was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, scoring 405 runs across 12 innings.&nbsp;Earlier this year, in February, Warner was part of the Dubai Capitals squad that clinched the International League T20 (ILT20) title.</p>

Cricket, Sports: Seattle Orcas had a strong start in first edition of Major League Cricket, finishing at top of points table, but fell short in final against MI New York

Former Australia opener David Warner joined the Major League Cricket (MLC) franchise Seattle Orcas for the upcoming third edition, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The third season is set to start from June 12-July 13. Warner is currently participating in the Pakistan Super League 2025, where he is leading the Karachi Kings. So far in his cricketing career, the left-hand batter has played a total of 401 T20S where he has scored 12,956 runs at an impressive strike rate of 140.27. Also Read: Formula 1: 'I just turned in too much', says Red Bulls driver Yuki after crashing out in FP2; Norris leads McLaren 1-2 Seattle Orcas had a strong start in the inaugural Major League Cricket season in 2023, finishing at the top of the points table, but fell short in the final against MI New York. However, in the following edition, they finished last under the captaincy of South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen's captaincy. The franchise could only manage to register one win in seven matches. Warner went unsold in IPL 2025 The left-handed batter went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction and missed out on the tournament for the first time since 2009. The southpaw is currently the fourth-highest run-getter in the IPL, with a total of 6,565 runs from 184 innings. Warner made a strong impact in this year's Big Bash League, returning as captain of the Sydney Thunder and guiding the team to the final. He was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, scoring 405 runs across 12 innings. Earlier this year, in February, Warner was part of the Dubai Capitals squad that clinched the International League T20 (ILT20) title.

Major League Cricket: Former Australia opening batter David Warner joins Seattle Orcas

<p>After his poor performance with the bat in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> (PSL), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/babar-azam">Babar Azam</a> has been called out by former cricketer Basit Ali, saying that Babar should take a lesson from India&rsquo;s ace Virat Kohli.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Following his blistering 151-run against Nepal in 2023, Babar is yet to find his feet in the international cricket domain and it looks like he still needs to grind to get some runs.&nbsp;He has not been able to hit a century for Pakistan. To make matters worse, even his form drought seems to be taking its toll on his captaincy. Under his leadership, Peshawar Zalmi have suffered two crushing defeats on the trot.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Babar&rsquo;s personal woes, paired with the team&rsquo;s struggles, are piling on the pressure. Babur had no impact during Zalmi's recent 102-run thrashing by Islamabad United, where he was absent for the chase of a staggering 244-run target.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-preity-zinta-celebration-video-after-punjab-kings-beat-kkr-watch-8968642">IPL 2025 | PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta can't keep calm while celebrating thrilling win over KKR - WATCH</a></strong></p>
<p>Basit has been very vocal on social media this week sharing his thoughts on Babar's captaincy mistakes in PSL. He says Babar should put the armband down and just play, for the better of his mental health and the sake of his career. Basit even took example of India's stat batter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, who stepped down from T20I duties last summer and cashed in his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/royal-challengers-bengaluru">Royal Challengers Bengaluru</a> captaincy in Indian Premier League.</p>
<h2>'If you follow him, then learn something from him'</h2>
<p>The 54-year-old urged Babar to learn from the Indian batting maestro and said on his YouTube channel, "Babar should leave captaincy and focus on his cricket. While chasing a 240-plus target, he gave away a catch to slip and got out. He is not focused. Zalmi management should remove him from captaincy and play him as a batter. He is harming himself. Babar is not doing anything; he just keeps playing."</p>
<p>"I will give the example of Virat Kohli. He retired from T20Is, and he is not even the captain of RCB. If you follow him, then learn something from him. You should play as a batter," he added.</p>
<p>Babar kicked off the PSL campaign with a two-ball duck against Quetta Gladiators. He was outfoxed by former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir, who lured him to commit to a cover drive, which went straight into the hand of Rilee Rossouw.</p>
<p>In their second fixture against the defending champions Islamabad, Ben Dwarshuis forced out an edge from Babar, which flew straight to Jason Holder, stationed at the first slip.</p>
<p>With Babar and Zalmi searching for form and winning momentum, Peshawar will square off against Multan Sultan in Rawalpindi on Saturday.</p>

Sports: Basit launched a scathing tirade on Babar for his captaincy debacle in the ongoing PSL. He urged Babar to drop captaincy and focus on his game

After his poor performance with the bat in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), Babar Azam has been called out by former cricketer Basit Ali, saying that Babar should take a lesson from India’s ace Virat Kohli. Following his blistering 151-run against Nepal in 2023, Babar is yet to find his feet in the international cricket domain and it looks like he still needs to grind to get some runs. He has not been able to hit a century for Pakistan. To make matters worse, even his form drought seems to be taking its toll on his captaincy. Under his leadership, Peshawar Zalmi have suffered two crushing defeats on the trot. Babar’s personal woes, paired with the team’s struggles, are piling on the pressure. Babur had no impact during Zalmi's recent 102-run thrashing by Islamabad United, where he was absent for the chase of a staggering 244-run target. Also Read: IPL 2025 | PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta can't keep calm while celebrating thrilling win over KKR - WATCH Basit has been very vocal on social media this week sharing his thoughts on Babar's captaincy mistakes in PSL. He says Babar should put the armband down and just play, for the better of his mental health and the sake of his career. Basit even took example of India's stat batter Virat Kohli, who stepped down from T20I duties last summer and cashed in his Royal Challengers Bengaluru captaincy in Indian Premier League. 'If you follow him, then learn something from him' The 54-year-old urged Babar to learn from the Indian batting maestro and said on his YouTube channel, "Babar should leave captaincy and focus on his cricket. While chasing a 240-plus target, he gave away a catch to slip and got out. He is not focused. Zalmi management should remove him from captaincy and play him as a batter. He is harming himself. Babar is not doing anything; he just keeps playing." "I will give the example of Virat Kohli. He retired from T20Is, and he is not even the captain of RCB. If you follow him, then learn something from him. You should play as a batter," he added. Babar kicked off the PSL campaign with a two-ball duck against Quetta Gladiators. He was outfoxed by former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir, who lured him to commit to a cover drive, which went straight into the hand of Rilee Rossouw. In their second fixture against the defending champions Islamabad, Ben Dwarshuis forced out an edge from Babar, which flew straight to Jason Holder, stationed at the first slip. With Babar and Zalmi searching for form and winning momentum, Peshawar will square off against Multan Sultan in Rawalpindi on Saturday.

PSL: 'Learn from Kohli!’–Basit Ali slams Babar Azam after consecutive flop show

<p>During the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a>, Quetta Gladiators' Usman Tariq's bowling action was reported for suspected bowling action. The bowler&nbsp;was reported by Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown in the match on Sunday (April 13) in which Quetta lost to Lahore Qalandars by 79 runs in Rawalpindi. The Quetta bowler had also picked up one wicket while giving away 31 runs off his four overs.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-kkrs-manish-pandey-reveals-how-his-army-roots-shaped-his-lifestyle-8961513">IPL 2025: KKR&rsquo;s Manish Pandey reveals how his Army roots shaped his lifestyle</a></strong></p>
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<p>Quetta Gladiators started their season with a dominant 80-run win against Peshawar Zalmi. In that match, Usman Tariq scalped 2/26.</p>
<p>The PCB has also issued a statement saying that Tariq can continue to bowl in the upcoming matches, but if the off-spinner is reported once again, there might be chances that he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/international-cricket-council">International Cricket Council</a> (ICC).</p>
<h2>'If called again, he will be banned from bowling'</h2>
<p>&ldquo;Under the Regulations, Usman is permitted to compete in future matches without restriction (PSL),&rdquo; the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-cricket-board">Pakistan Cricket Board</a> said in a press release.</p>
<p>&ldquo;But if he is called again, he will be banned from bowling and will require verification from an ICC-accredited laboratory to lift the suspension.&rdquo; Tariq was noted for an unusual bowling action in a Quetta match against the Karachi Kings at the same venue last year, which prompted the franchise to retract their plans for the off-spinner and subject him to a bowling evaluation.</p>
<p><span>There is no word yet on when his bowling action test can be planned. Pakistan do have an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore, but Gladiators do not play there until April 25.</span></p>

Sports: Usman Tariq, 27, was reported by umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown during Quetta Gladiators' clash against Lahore Qalandars, who won by 79 runs

During the ongoing Pakistan Super League, Quetta Gladiators' Usman Tariq's bowling action was reported for suspected bowling action. The bowler was reported by Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown in the match on Sunday (April 13) in which Quetta lost to Lahore Qalandars by 79 runs in Rawalpindi. The Quetta bowler had also picked up one wicket while giving away 31 runs off his four overs. Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR’s Manish Pandey reveals how his Army roots shaped his lifestyle Quetta Gladiators started their season with a dominant 80-run win against Peshawar Zalmi. In that match, Usman Tariq scalped 2/26. The PCB has also issued a statement saying that Tariq can continue to bowl in the upcoming matches, but if the off-spinner is reported once again, there might be chances that he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from the International Cricket Council (ICC). 'If called again, he will be banned from bowling' “Under the Regulations, Usman is permitted to compete in future matches without restriction (PSL),” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a press release. “But if he is called again, he will be banned from bowling and will require verification from an ICC-accredited laboratory to lift the suspension.” Tariq was noted for an unusual bowling action in a Quetta match against the Karachi Kings at the same venue last year, which prompted the franchise to retract their plans for the off-spinner and subject him to a bowling evaluation. There is no word yet on when his bowling action test can be planned. Pakistan do have an ICC-accredited biomechanics laboratory in Lahore, but Gladiators do not play there until April 25.

PSL 2025: For a second time in a year, Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action

<p>Back in 2016, when the first ball of Pakistan Super League was bowled, many thought of it as just another cricket league, but the idea to launch the league in Pakistan was different.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was about to bring back cricket to a country at a time when Pakistan was not safe to travel for other cricketing nations. The recurring attacks from terrorist organisations had pushed the country into a state where nobody was safe. The country&rsquo;s image, as well as the sports and tourism industries, were affected badly.</p>
<p>So, it was Pakistan as a country that needed something to bring back the joy to fans who lived and died for the game. As a result, Pakistan Super League was born.</p>
<p>The establishment of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> (PSL) was perceived as a big risk by many. This was because it was a franchise-based T20 tournament that was about to be hosted in hopes of restoring the image of Pakistan cricket and also improving the ailing domestic structure. Looking at it from their perspective, the risk was very high. But, fast forward to 2025, and everything appears to be paying off in ways that we least expected.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-ipl-2025-that-changed-the-game-mi-spinner-karn-sharma-on-turning-point-during-win-vs-dc-8960743">IPL 2025 | 'That changed the game,' MI spinner Karn Sharma shares turning point during win vs DC</a></strong></p>
<p>Over the years, it is not just a tournament but has become an institution of sort in the country now. It serves as a the stage where local stars perform and showcase their skills alongside international players, while cities in Pakistan get to soak up the energy with fans motivated for high class competition. One can say now that starting PSL, it has completely transformed the country's system of domestic cricket.</p>
<h2>PSL has enhanced overall professionalism of cricket in Pakistan</h2>
<p>New talents have suddenly emerged. Young players such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/shaheen-afridi">Shaheen Shah Afridi</a>, Shadab Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/haris-rauf">Haris Rauf</a>, and Mohammad Haris have come up the ranks from domestic circuit. The PSL not only provided them with exposure, but an opportunity and a path to fast track to the international level.</p>
<p>The PSL has not only focused on individual player growth, but has also enhanced the overall professionalism of the sport in Pakistan.</p>
<p>Earlier, domestic matches in Pakistan used to be played in front of vacant stadiums. The hussle and bustle has returned ever since the PSL was founded. Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi City are now frequently sold out, and cricket has once again became a sport that unifies the country. Fans now feel more connected to the sport than before with live streams, social media posts, and access to behind the scenes footage.</p>
<p>For a lot of players, the PSL has given them life-altering contracts. There is also a financial transformation that cannot be overlooked. It has enabled domestic cricketers to turn into professionals, concentrate on their training, and actually pursue cricket as a career. That kind of financial security is essential for maintaining a good pool of talent.</p>
<p>Possibly one of the most important accomplishments of the league has been how it aids in changing the international views of Pakistan. The PSL serves as a strong indicator: cricket does not only exist in Pakistan &mdash; it&rsquo;s now flourishing.</p>
<p>As PSL enters its tenth year, the focus is once again on growth and evolution. There is room for expansion, investment in women's cricket, and a closer connection with development at the grassroots level. What stands out is how the PSL has achieved in a short span of ten years what traditional domestic structure didn't manage to do in decades. It has rejuvenated the sport, lifted the benchmarks, and reignited hopes and dreams ignited in youth.</p>

Sports: The Pakistan Super League has not only focused on individual player growth, but has also enhanced the overall professionalism of the sport in Pakistan

Back in 2016, when the first ball of Pakistan Super League was bowled, many thought of it as just another cricket league, but the idea to launch the league in Pakistan was different. It was about to bring back cricket to a country at a time when Pakistan was not safe to travel for other cricketing nations. The recurring attacks from terrorist organisations had pushed the country into a state where nobody was safe. The country’s image, as well as the sports and tourism industries, were affected badly. So, it was Pakistan as a country that needed something to bring back the joy to fans who lived and died for the game. As a result, Pakistan Super League was born. The establishment of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was perceived as a big risk by many. This was because it was a franchise-based T20 tournament that was about to be hosted in hopes of restoring the image of Pakistan cricket and also improving the ailing domestic structure. Looking at it from their perspective, the risk was very high. But, fast forward to 2025, and everything appears to be paying off in ways that we least expected. Also Read: IPL 2025 | 'That changed the game,' MI spinner Karn Sharma shares turning point during win vs DC Over the years, it is not just a tournament but has become an institution of sort in the country now. It serves as a the stage where local stars perform and showcase their skills alongside international players, while cities in Pakistan get to soak up the energy with fans motivated for high class competition. One can say now that starting PSL, it has completely transformed the country's system of domestic cricket. PSL has enhanced overall professionalism of cricket in Pakistan New talents have suddenly emerged. Young players such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Haris have come up the ranks from domestic circuit. The PSL not only provided them with exposure, but an opportunity and a path to fast track to the international level. The PSL has not only focused on individual player growth, but has also enhanced the overall professionalism of the sport in Pakistan. Earlier, domestic matches in Pakistan used to be played in front of vacant stadiums. The hussle and bustle has returned ever since the PSL was founded. Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi City are now frequently sold out, and cricket has once again became a sport that unifies the country. Fans now feel more connected to the sport than before with live streams, social media posts, and access to behind the scenes footage. For a lot of players, the PSL has given them life-altering contracts. There is also a financial transformation that cannot be overlooked. It has enabled domestic cricketers to turn into professionals, concentrate on their training, and actually pursue cricket as a career. That kind of financial security is essential for maintaining a good pool of talent. Possibly one of the most important accomplishments of the league has been how it aids in changing the international views of Pakistan. The PSL serves as a strong indicator: cricket does not only exist in Pakistan — it’s now flourishing. As PSL enters its tenth year, the focus is once again on growth and evolution. There is room for expansion, investment in women's cricket, and a closer connection with development at the grassroots level. What stands out is how the PSL has achieved in a short span of ten years what traditional domestic structure didn't manage to do in decades. It has rejuvenated the sport, lifted the benchmarks, and reignited hopes and dreams ignited in youth.

How Pakistan Super League has sparked a cricketing revival in Pakistan?

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans on Saturday, announced to support Palestine&rsquo;s charitable organisations, especially for children, during the ongoing 10th edition of the league.</p>
<p>The announcement was made by Sultans&rsquo; captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammad-rizwan">Mohammad Rizwan</a> at the toss, sharing that the franchise will donate to the charities in Palestine on every six and wicket taken by their players.</p>
<p>"I have an announcement to make from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/multan-sultans">Multan Sultans</a>. On every six and four, or a wicket, we will do something for the children in Palestine and Gaza," Rizwan said after the toss.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/zip-it-sit-in-the-cornerand-cry-vinesh-phogat-slams-online-trolls-over-paris-olympics-cash-support-8957780">&lsquo;Zip it, sit in the corner...and cry&rsquo;: Vinesh Phogat slams online trolls over Paris Olympics cash support</a></strong></p>
<p>Earlier, Sultans&rsquo; owner Ali Tareen made the same announcement in a video statement. Tareen revealed that both their batters and bowlers wanted to contribute towards the aid of the Palestinians thus the franchise decided to donate $356 on each sixer or a wicket by their players.</p>
<h2>For a noble cause</h2>
<p>&ldquo;We would like to make an announcement on behalf of Multan Sultans that we have decided to support Palestinian charities in this season of PSL,&rdquo; said Tareen.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Since our players wanted to be a part of this, so we have decided whenever any of our batter hits a sixer, we will donate $356 to Palestinian charities.&nbsp;Similarly our bowlers wanted to join so we will also be donating 100,000 rupees on each wicket taken to Palestinian charities, especially those who work for children," he added.</p>
<p><b>Multan Sultans squad for PSL 10:</b><span> </span>Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir and Michael Bracewell (all platinum), David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Khan (all diamond), Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain (all gold), Faisal Akram, Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little and Tayyab Tahir (all silver), Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah (both emerging), Muhammad Amir Barki, Johnson Charles and Yasir Khan (all supplementary).</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World, Cricket, Sports: The announcement was made by Mohammad Rizwan, sharing that team will donate to the charities in Palestine on every six and wicket by their players

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans on Saturday, announced to support Palestine’s charitable organisations, especially for children, during the ongoing 10th edition of the league. The announcement was made by Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan at the toss, sharing that the franchise will donate to the charities in Palestine on every six and wicket taken by their players. "I have an announcement to make from Multan Sultans. On every six and four, or a wicket, we will do something for the children in Palestine and Gaza," Rizwan said after the toss. Also Read: ‘Zip it, sit in the corner...and cry’: Vinesh Phogat slams online trolls over Paris Olympics cash support Earlier, Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen made the same announcement in a video statement. Tareen revealed that both their batters and bowlers wanted to contribute towards the aid of the Palestinians thus the franchise decided to donate $356 on each sixer or a wicket by their players. For a noble cause “We would like to make an announcement on behalf of Multan Sultans that we have decided to support Palestinian charities in this season of PSL,” said Tareen. “Since our players wanted to be a part of this, so we have decided whenever any of our batter hits a sixer, we will donate $356 to Palestinian charities. Similarly our bowlers wanted to join so we will also be donating 100,000 rupees on each wicket taken to Palestinian charities, especially those who work for children," he added. Multan Sultans squad for PSL 10: Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir and Michael Bracewell (all platinum), David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Khan (all diamond), Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain (all gold), Faisal Akram, Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little and Tayyab Tahir (all silver), Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah (both emerging), Muhammad Amir Barki, Johnson Charles and Yasir Khan (all supplementary). (With inputs from agencies)

PSL: ​Multan Sultans to donate $356 for every six and wicket to Palestinian charities

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/mohammad-rizwan">Mohammad Rizwan</a>, the captain of Pakistan's white ball team, has faced immense trolling for his English speaking skills. But, Rizwan hit back on his critics by being honest, admitting he does not feel ashamed for not speaking English, rather the one thing he is focused on is the call for him to play cricket, and not speak English.</p>
<p>Rizwan has been trolled on social media for his English speaking. Various clips and snapshots of his English have been circulating and being made fun of by trolls during pre and post-match ceremonies.</p>
<p>During a press conference, the Multan Sultans' captain addressed the criticism and trolls targeting him for his spoken English. "I regret not completing my education, which is why I don't know English, but I am not ashamed that as Pakistan's captain, I cannot speak English, Rizwan was quoted saying to Geo News.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/former-india-wrestler-vinesh-phogat-to-build-world-class-sports-academy-for-young-athletes-8953557">Former India wrestler Vinesh Phogat to build world-class sports academy for young athletes</a></strong></p>
<p>"The demand from me is to play cricket, not to speak English. If Pakistan wanted English, I would become a professor, learn it, and return. But Pakistan asks me for cricket, not English," he added.</p>
<h2>'Guide us on how to improve'</h2>
<p>Rizwan shifted his focus to Pakistan's ongoing woes in the field, which have sparked quite the debate. Once considered to be an Asian powerhouse, the current Pakistan lot is chasing shadows of their former glory.&nbsp;Barring their chaotic campaigns in the past <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/international-cricket-council">ICC</a> tournaments, Pakistan were truly exposed in the Champion Trophy organised on their home turf. The hosts were the first team to be knocked out of the tournament after back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India, ending their title defence in the group stage.</p>
<p>After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/champions-trophy">Champions Trophy</a> debacle, Pakistan toured New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs. However, Pakistan succumbed to a 4-1 series defeat.</p>
<p>Amid the heavy criticism from fans and former cricketers, Rizwan urged the critics to offer solutions and guide them through the turbulent phase, leading to their improvement.&nbsp;"It's fine to criticise the team, but also guide us on how to improve. Recently, during the Champions Trophy, Wasim Akram gave us advice. I wanted to talk more with him, but there wasn't enough time," he said.</p>
<p>Rizwan admitted that fans have the right to be upset when the team fails to deliver. He said, "Fans are justified in their anger, and they've all the right to be upset at us because they also love us. But the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> has given so much to Pakistan. Now it's time to enjoy the league," he signed off.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: Rizwan has been trolled on social media for his English speaking. Various clips of his post- and pre-match interactions have gone viral

Mohammad Rizwan, the captain of Pakistan's white ball team, has faced immense trolling for his English speaking skills. But, Rizwan hit back on his critics by being honest, admitting he does not feel ashamed for not speaking English, rather the one thing he is focused on is the call for him to play cricket, and not speak English. Rizwan has been trolled on social media for his English speaking. Various clips and snapshots of his English have been circulating and being made fun of by trolls during pre and post-match ceremonies. During a press conference, the Multan Sultans' captain addressed the criticism and trolls targeting him for his spoken English. "I regret not completing my education, which is why I don't know English, but I am not ashamed that as Pakistan's captain, I cannot speak English, Rizwan was quoted saying to Geo News. Also Read: Former India wrestler Vinesh Phogat to build world-class sports academy for young athletes "The demand from me is to play cricket, not to speak English. If Pakistan wanted English, I would become a professor, learn it, and return. But Pakistan asks me for cricket, not English," he added. 'Guide us on how to improve' Rizwan shifted his focus to Pakistan's ongoing woes in the field, which have sparked quite the debate. Once considered to be an Asian powerhouse, the current Pakistan lot is chasing shadows of their former glory. Barring their chaotic campaigns in the past ICC tournaments, Pakistan were truly exposed in the Champion Trophy organised on their home turf. The hosts were the first team to be knocked out of the tournament after back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India, ending their title defence in the group stage. After the Champions Trophy debacle, Pakistan toured New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs. However, Pakistan succumbed to a 4-1 series defeat. Amid the heavy criticism from fans and former cricketers, Rizwan urged the critics to offer solutions and guide them through the turbulent phase, leading to their improvement. "It's fine to criticise the team, but also guide us on how to improve. Recently, during the Champions Trophy, Wasim Akram gave us advice. I wanted to talk more with him, but there wasn't enough time," he said. Rizwan admitted that fans have the right to be upset when the team fails to deliver. He said, "Fans are justified in their anger, and they've all the right to be upset at us because they also love us. But the Pakistan Super League has given so much to Pakistan. Now it's time to enjoy the league," he signed off. (With inputs from agencies)

Rizwan claps back at English critics, says 'Pakistan wants cricket from me, not English'

<p>Former Australian opener <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/david-warner">David Warner</a> has been appointed captain of Karachi Kings for the 2025 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pakistan-super-league">Pakistan Super League</a> (PSL) season, which kicks off on April 11.</p>
<p>This marks Warner&rsquo;s debut in the PSL after being selected as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/karachi-kings">Karachi Kings</a>' first pick in the 2025 Players Draft, held at Hazuri Bagh in Lahore on January 13. The franchise demonstrated its immense faith in his leadership by acquiring him for a record-breaking USD 300,000, making him the most expensive signing in PSL history.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2025-how-shikhar-dhawans-lessons-helped-ashutosh-sharma-deliver-a-match-winning-knock-8887718">IPL 2025: How Shikhar Dhawan&rsquo;s lessons helped Ashutosh Sharma deliver a match-winning knock</a></strong></p>
<p>Renowned for his aggressive batting and strategic acumen, Warner brings a wealth of experience to the role. "The dynamic left-hander, a World Cup-winning veteran, will lead the franchise&rsquo;s campaign in the highly anticipated season," Karachi Kings said in an official release.</p>
<h2>'Warner's leadership align with our vision'</h2>
<p>With extensive leadership experience in global leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Warner is expected to usher in a new era for the Kings. He takes over the captaincy from Shan Masood, who led the team last season. Karachi Kings finished fifth in the six-team tournament in 2024, securing just four wins in 10 matches. The franchise previously lifted the PSL trophy in 2020.</p>
<p>Expressing enthusiasm about the new appointment, Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said, &ldquo;We are thrilled to welcome David Warner as our captain for HBL PSL 10. His leadership and match-winning abilities align perfectly with our vision. At the same time, we deeply appreciate Shan Masood&rsquo;s contributions last season. His efforts were crucial in building a solid foundation, and we look forward to his continued impact as a key player in our squad.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Karachi Kings will begin their campaign on April 12 at National Stadium in Karachi, facing Multan Sultans in their opening match.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

Cricket, Sports: David Warner was acquired by Karachi Kings for a record-breaking $300,000, making him the most expensive signing in Pakistan Super League history

Former Australian opener David Warner has been appointed captain of Karachi Kings for the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, which kicks off on April 11. This marks Warner’s debut in the PSL after being selected as Karachi Kings' first pick in the 2025 Players Draft, held at Hazuri Bagh in Lahore on January 13. The franchise demonstrated its immense faith in his leadership by acquiring him for a record-breaking USD 300,000, making him the most expensive signing in PSL history. Also Read: IPL 2025: How Shikhar Dhawan’s lessons helped Ashutosh Sharma deliver a match-winning knock Renowned for his aggressive batting and strategic acumen, Warner brings a wealth of experience to the role. "The dynamic left-hander, a World Cup-winning veteran, will lead the franchise’s campaign in the highly anticipated season," Karachi Kings said in an official release. 'Warner's leadership align with our vision' With extensive leadership experience in global leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL), Warner is expected to usher in a new era for the Kings. He takes over the captaincy from Shan Masood, who led the team last season. Karachi Kings finished fifth in the six-team tournament in 2024, securing just four wins in 10 matches. The franchise previously lifted the PSL trophy in 2020. Expressing enthusiasm about the new appointment, Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said, “We are thrilled to welcome David Warner as our captain for HBL PSL 10. His leadership and match-winning abilities align perfectly with our vision. At the same time, we deeply appreciate Shan Masood’s contributions last season. His efforts were crucial in building a solid foundation, and we look forward to his continued impact as a key player in our squad.” Karachi Kings will begin their campaign on April 12 at National Stadium in Karachi, facing Multan Sultans in their opening match. (With inputs from agencies)

PSL 2025: Karachi Kings appoint former Australia opener David Warner as captain

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (Feb 28) announced the schedule for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) season as defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in the opening clash. The tournament opener is scheduled to take place on April 11 with the final taking place on May 18. Interestingly, the tournament will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) as the PCB faces a huge task to attract players and international audiences for the latest season.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark your calendars! 🗓️ <br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSLX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSLX</a> schedule is HERE! ⚡ <br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/Nh5xUOkEYA">https://t.co/Nh5xUOkEYA</a><br><br>Which match are you hyped for? 🤩<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HBLPSL10?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HBLPSL10</a> l <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DECADEOFHBLPSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DECADEOFHBLPSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/qAlmbWqt1R">pic.twitter.com/qAlmbWqt1R</a></p>
&mdash; PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20/status/1895358449996972108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
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</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b>PSL 2025: Full schedule<o:p></o:p></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">11 April &ndash; Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">12 April &ndash; Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium, Karachi</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">13 April &ndash; Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">14 April &ndash; Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">15 April &ndash; Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium, Karachi</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">16 April &ndash; Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">18 April &ndash; Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium, Karachi</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">19 April &ndash; Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">20 April &ndash; Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium, Karachi</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">21 April &ndash; Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium, Karachi</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">22 April &ndash; Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">23 April &ndash; Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">24 April &ndash; Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">25 April &ndash; Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">26 April &ndash; Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">27 April &ndash; Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">29 April &ndash; Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">30 April &ndash; Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">1 May &ndash; Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">2 May &ndash; Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">3 May &ndash; Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">4 May &ndash; Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">5 May &ndash; Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">7 May &ndash; Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">8 May &ndash; Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">9 May &ndash; Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">10 May &ndash; Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">13 May &ndash; Qualifier 1, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">14 May &ndash; Eliminator 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">16 May &ndash; Eliminator 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">18 May &ndash; Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>More to Follow...</strong></p>

Sports, Cricket: The PCB announced the schedule for the upcoming PSL 2025 season as defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in the opening clash.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday (Feb 28) announced the schedule for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) season as defending champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in the opening clash. The tournament opener is scheduled to take place on April 11 with the final taking place on May 18. Interestingly, the tournament will clash with the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) as the PCB faces a huge task to attract players and international audiences for the latest season. Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The #HBLPSLX schedule is HERE! ⚡ Read more: https://t.co/Nh5xUOkEYA Which match are you hyped for? 🤩#HBLPSL10 l #DECADEOFHBLPSL pic.twitter.com/qAlmbWqt1R — PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 28, 2025 PSL 2025: Full schedule 11 April – Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 12 April – Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 13 April – Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 14 April – Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 15 April – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 16 April – Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 18 April – Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 19 April – Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 20 April – Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 21 April – Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium, Karachi 22 April – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium 23 April – Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium 24 April – Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 25 April – Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 26 April – Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 27 April – Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 29 April – Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 30 April – Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 1 May – Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 2 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 3 May – Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 4 May – Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 5 May – Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium 7 May – Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 8 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 9 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 10 May – Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 13 May – Qualifier 1, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 14 May – Eliminator 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 16 May – Eliminator 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 18 May – Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore More to Follow...

PSL 2025: Champions Islamabad United take on Lahore Qalandars in curtain-raiser as PCB announces schedule

<p>Pakistan Super League (PSL) could be held without star English players next season as ECB’s new policy denies NOCs to centrally contracted cricketers to skip premier domestic tournaments for T20-based franchise cricket coinciding with it. Per the latest report, the T20 freelancers claim to have been blindsided by the ECB’s new policy on NOCs as they seek legal action against the board.</p>

<p>Though the ECB chief executive Richard Gould feels the policy was designed to ‘protect the integrity of the sport’, the top-tier T20 freelancers, the players without national contracts and on white-ball-only deals with their respective counties, are of a different opinion, feeling this policy restricts their chances of plying their trade elsewhere.</p>

<p>While some players reacted furiously to this new policy, which the board approved on Wednesday, the others have discussed options with the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) and among themselves in a WhatsApp group chat.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/champions-trophy-2025-pakistan-likely-to-accept-hybrid-model-after-iccs-deadline-warning-780304">Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan likely to accept hybrid model after ICC's deadline warning</a></strong></p>

<p>"The PCA's legal team is currently completing a thorough check of the implementation of the policy," Daryl Mitchell, the PCA's interim chief executive, said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo. "The PCA is continuing to source considered opinions and potential consequences of this policy from players and player representatives."</p>

<p>The ECB’s new policy is a response to curb the transfer of top talent drawn towards the franchise-based T20 Leagues worldwide, the most significant of which is the Major League Cricket (MLC), with the England players also featuring in Lanka Premier League (LPL), the T10 tournaments in the Cayman Islands and Zimbabwe, and also in well-established Caribbean Premier League (CPL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, in 2025, the PSL will also be staged during the April-May window, unlike in February-March for all these years, which will again coincide with the County Championship; the ECB is unlikely to grant NOCs to players with all-format county contracts to appear in that tournament.</p>

<p>This new policy will, however, impact players like Jason Roy and Alex Hales, who missed parts of Blast this year to feature in the MLC and LPL, respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>No harm to IPL</h2>

<p>Though this policy restricts contracted players to skip all-format domestic tournaments for franchise-based leagues, IPL remains an exception, as promised by the ECB to the BCCI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Per the earlier reports, all boards have written to the BCCI, promising the availability of their players (picked in the IPL 2025 mega auction) for the complete season for the upcoming three editions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, IPL 2025 will get underway from March 14 onwards next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Super League (PSL) could be held without star English players next season as ECB’s new policy denies NOCs to centrally contracted cricketers to skip premier domestic tournaments for T20-based franchise cricket coinciding with it.

Pakistan Super League (PSL) could be held without star English players next season as ECB’s new policy denies NOCs to centrally contracted cricketers to skip premier domestic tournaments for T20-based franchise cricket coinciding with it. Per the latest report, the T20 freelancers claim to have been blindsided by the ECB’s new policy on NOCs as they seek legal action against the board. Though the ECB chief executive Richard Gould feels the policy was designed to ‘protect the integrity of the sport’, the top-tier T20 freelancers, the players without national contracts and on white-ball-only deals with their respective counties, are of a different opinion, feeling this policy restricts their chances of plying their trade elsewhere. While some players reacted furiously to this new policy, which the board approved on Wednesday, the others have discussed options with the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) and among themselves in a WhatsApp group chat. ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan likely to accept hybrid model after ICC's deadline warning "The PCA's legal team is currently completing a thorough check of the implementation of the policy," Daryl Mitchell, the PCA's interim chief executive, said in a chat with ESPNcricinfo. "The PCA is continuing to source considered opinions and potential consequences of this policy from players and player representatives." The ECB’s new policy is a response to curb the transfer of top talent drawn towards the franchise-based T20 Leagues worldwide, the most significant of which is the Major League Cricket (MLC), with the England players also featuring in Lanka Premier League (LPL), the T10 tournaments in the Cayman Islands and Zimbabwe, and also in well-established Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Besides, in 2025, the PSL will also be staged during the April-May window, unlike in February-March for all these years, which will again coincide with the County Championship; the ECB is unlikely to grant NOCs to players with all-format county contracts to appear in that tournament. This new policy will, however, impact players like Jason Roy and Alex Hales, who missed parts of Blast this year to feature in the MLC and LPL, respectively. No harm to IPL Though this policy restricts contracted players to skip all-format domestic tournaments for franchise-based leagues, IPL remains an exception, as promised by the ECB to the BCCI. Per the earlier reports, all boards have written to the BCCI, promising the availability of their players (picked in the IPL 2025 mega auction) for the complete season for the upcoming three editions. Meanwhile, IPL 2025 will get underway from March 14 onwards next year. (With inputs from agencies)

Blow to PSL as ECB to deny NOCs to centrally contracted players for T20 franchise league under new policy

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<p>The Pakistan Super League (PSL) could collide with the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) over scheduling window from upcoming seasons, per the latest report. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met owners of all six PSL franchises, proposing several new plans, including hosting the PSL in the April-May window from next season onwards. Among the other proposals, increasing the salary cap of certain marquee overseas players and choosing neutral venues for PSL playoffs, including the UK, UAE and Australia, were also discussed.</p>

<p>PSL colliding with the most successful and followed franchise-based T20 League could hamper it in many ways, with the board remaining aware of it. The report suggests instead of competing with the IPL, all concerned members during the discussion agreed that PSL would rather ‘co-exist’ with the Indian Premier League.</p>

<p>Although no official word is out on what the final plan would be, Lahore Qalandars – the two-time winners are said to oppose this idea. Other team owners are also undecided and not in favour of some or all proposals. Meanwhile, given Pakistan&nbsp;is scheduled&nbsp;to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year during the February-March window, PSL 10 will take place from April 7 to May 20.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-gavaskar-bashes-kohli-for-outside-noise-remarks-we-dont-have-agendas-we-speak-what-we-see-718124">IPL 2024: Gavaskar bashes Kohli over ‘outside noise’ remarks - ‘We don’t have agendas, we speak what we see’</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides, the ESPNcricinfo report further suggests the PCB proposed this window as permanent for hosting PSL for a few years. Although the weather conditions during May could work against this idea, PCB feels instead of hosting it during the tight window from December to February, where it’s already competing with four other leagues worldwide, the April-May window could fit for many reasons.</p>

<p>While a small window during September was also discussed, considering the Ramadan calendar from next year onwards, PSL’s new schedule could benefit all, from the players to the broadcasters to the revenue and sponsorship models.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, considering all marquee overseas players would go under the hammer during the IPL auction, the PCB proposed the franchises go all-out to attract certain top foreign players with an increased salary cap (USD 300,000-plus) as compared to the current one (USD 220,00). For this, the board also proposed the PSL draft to take place after the IPL auction, having clarity over the status of overseas cricketers.</p>

<h2>Neutral venues on PCB’s mind</h2>

<p>To spice things up and also considering the weather conditions in this part of the world during the proposed new window, the board listed three potential venues – UK, UAE and Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Considering May is too hot for the UAE and cold for Australia, the UK is the best option&nbsp;left.</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;a final decision will be made&nbsp;during the formal PSL governing council meeting due at the end of May. &nbsp;</p>


The Pakistan Super League (PSL) could collide with the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) over scheduling window from upcoming seasons, per the latest report.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) could collide with the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) over scheduling window from upcoming seasons, per the latest report. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) met owners of all six PSL franchises, proposing several new plans, including hosting the PSL in the April-May window from next season onwards. Among the other proposals, increasing the salary cap of certain marquee overseas players and choosing neutral venues for PSL playoffs, including the UK, UAE and Australia, were also discussed. PSL colliding with the most successful and followed franchise-based T20 League could hamper it in many ways, with the board remaining aware of it. The report suggests instead of competing with the IPL, all concerned members during the discussion agreed that PSL would rather ‘co-exist’ with the Indian Premier League. Although no official word is out on what the final plan would be, Lahore Qalandars – the two-time winners are said to oppose this idea. Other team owners are also undecided and not in favour of some or all proposals. Meanwhile, given Pakistan is scheduled to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year during the February-March window, PSL 10 will take place from April 7 to May 20. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: Gavaskar bashes Kohli over ‘outside noise’ remarks - ‘We don’t have agendas, we speak what we see’ Besides, the ESPNcricinfo report further suggests the PCB proposed this window as permanent for hosting PSL for a few years. Although the weather conditions during May could work against this idea, PCB feels instead of hosting it during the tight window from December to February, where it’s already competing with four other leagues worldwide, the April-May window could fit for many reasons. While a small window during September was also discussed, considering the Ramadan calendar from next year onwards, PSL’s new schedule could benefit all, from the players to the broadcasters to the revenue and sponsorship models. Moreover, considering all marquee overseas players would go under the hammer during the IPL auction, the PCB proposed the franchises go all-out to attract certain top foreign players with an increased salary cap (USD 300,000-plus) as compared to the current one (USD 220,00). For this, the board also proposed the PSL draft to take place after the IPL auction, having clarity over the status of overseas cricketers. Neutral venues on PCB’s mind To spice things up and also considering the weather conditions in this part of the world during the proposed new window, the board listed three potential venues – UK, UAE and Australia. Considering May is too hot for the UAE and cold for Australia, the UK is the best option left. However, a final decision will be made during the formal PSL governing council meeting due at the end of May.

PSL set to collide with IPL over scheduling window as PCB proposes new plans for upcoming seasons

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<p>Pakistan cricketer Imad Wasim has invited criticism after he was caught smoking during Islamabad United's Pakistan Super League (PSL) final against Multan Sultans on Monday (Mar 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United all-rounder bowled a stellar spell, finishing with career-best T20 figures of five for 23 in four overs – his first five-for in the PSL. However, his on-field performance was overshadowed when the cameras caught him smoking a cigarette during the 18th over of the innings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wasim had returned to the dressing room after completing his four-over spell and could be seen having a puff, which even left former cricketer-turned-commentator Waqar Younis flabbergasted.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who says smoking is injurious to health. Imad Wasim made his team PSL winner with the help of Drugs.<br />
First he took 5 wickets with the help of Smoking and later scored 19 important runs.<br />
Drugs won, cricket lost.<br />
Shame on Imad Wasim<br />
Shame on PSL management<br />
Shame on Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/eaFRWWxJRI">pic.twitter.com/eaFRWWxJRI</a></p>
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) <a href="https://twitter.com/Satya_Prakash08/status/1769816818003149011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Despite the smoking fiasco, United managed to emerge victorious in the summit clash to clinch a third PSL title. Chasing a tricky target of 160, Hunain Shah hit a boundary on the last ball to guide the team to victory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wasim retired from international cricket in November last year after being overlooked by the management. However, after the match, Wasim kept the door ajar of his return to&nbsp;the circuit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Didn't know that it would go on to be the best-ever tournament. Just wanted to have an impact in the team's win. It was a new experience - taking five wickets in the final. Took a lesson that we should've finished it one over earlier. I'm happy playing cricket. Trying my utmost to contribute to the team. There is four to five&nbsp;years of cricket left in me," said Wasim.</p>

<p>Teammate Shadab Khan also urged him to come out of retirement and play for the national team.</p>

<p>"I want to (him to be back), in fact, when Imad made the decision (to retire), I had also talked to him that I didn't want him to leave," Shadab said after winning the PSL final.<br />
<br />
"Because Pakistan needs players like him. God willing, if there is a discussion with him, hopefully he will come back because the World Cup is approaching."</p>

<h2><strong>Previous instances</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, Wasim is not the first cricketer to have been caught smoking during a match. During the ODI World Cup in India last year, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was seen vaping an e-cigarette during the match against South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, in 2022, Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shahzad was caught smoking on ground during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match. He was later handed a demerit point for the act.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan cricketer Imad Wasim has invited criticism after he was caught smoking during Islamabad United's Pakistan Super League (PSL) final against Multan Sultans on Monday (Mar 18).

Pakistan cricketer Imad Wasim has invited criticism after he was caught smoking during Islamabad United's Pakistan Super League (PSL) final against Multan Sultans on Monday (Mar 18). The United all-rounder bowled a stellar spell, finishing with career-best T20 figures of five for 23 in four overs – his first five-for in the PSL. However, his on-field performance was overshadowed when the cameras caught him smoking a cigarette during the 18th over of the innings. Wasim had returned to the dressing room after completing his four-over spell and could be seen having a puff, which even left former cricketer-turned-commentator Waqar Younis flabbergasted. Who says smoking is injurious to health. Imad Wasim made his team PSL winner with the help of Drugs. First he took 5 wickets with the help of Smoking and later scored 19 important runs. Drugs won, cricket lost. Shame on Imad Wasim Shame on PSL management Shame on Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/eaFRWWxJRI — Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) March 18, 2024 × Despite the smoking fiasco, United managed to emerge victorious in the summit clash to clinch a third PSL title. Chasing a tricky target of 160, Hunain Shah hit a boundary on the last ball to guide the team to victory. Wasim retired from international cricket in November last year after being overlooked by the management. However, after the match, Wasim kept the door ajar of his return to the circuit. "Didn't know that it would go on to be the best-ever tournament. Just wanted to have an impact in the team's win. It was a new experience - taking five wickets in the final. Took a lesson that we should've finished it one over earlier. I'm happy playing cricket. Trying my utmost to contribute to the team. There is four to five years of cricket left in me," said Wasim. Teammate Shadab Khan also urged him to come out of retirement and play for the national team. "I want to (him to be back), in fact, when Imad made the decision (to retire), I had also talked to him that I didn't want him to leave," Shadab said after winning the PSL final. "Because Pakistan needs players like him. God willing, if there is a discussion with him, hopefully he will come back because the World Cup is approaching." Previous instances Notably, Wasim is not the first cricketer to have been caught smoking during a match. During the ODI World Cup in India last year, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was seen vaping an e-cigarette during the match against South Africa. Similarly, in 2022, Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shahzad was caught smoking on ground during a Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match. He was later handed a demerit point for the act. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Imad Wasim caught smoking during Pakistan Super League final