The opening game of PSL 2025 Will be played between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United on 11th April In Rawalpindi.
Preview
The defending champions, Islamabad United, will commence their title defense on home turf against what many consider their fiercest rivals. With the core of the squad largely intact from last season, United have strategically bolstered their top order by bringing in the dynamic Australian opener, Matt Short. His aggressive batting will add firepower at the top, but equally crucial will be his off-spin, especially against Lahore’s left-handed opening duo — a matchup that could prove pivotal in the contest.
Pakistan’s newly appointed T20I captain, Agha Salman, who enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, will once again play a crucial role in anchoring an otherwise aggressive batting lineup. However, the dip in form of key players — notably skipper Shadab Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan — remains a significant concern heading into the tournament. Their performance could well define the team’s fortunes in the early stages.
After clinching back-to-back titles, Lahore Qalandars endured a rather forgettable campaign last season — a stark contrast to their recent dominance. A key factor in their decline was the prolonged dip in form of their star batter, Fakhar Zaman. However, this time around, Fakhar enters the tournament riding a wave of good form, which could be instrumental in reigniting Lahore’s fortunes. Another player to keep a close eye on is Daryl Mitchell — the versatile New Zealander whose ability to counter both pace and spin in the middle overs adds valuable depth to the Qalandars’ lineup.
One of Lahore Qalandars’ glaring weaknesses last season was their spin department, which statistically ranked the poorest among all teams in both economy rate and bowling average. However, heading into this campaign, they’ve made noticeable improvements by reinforcing their spin options with the experienced Sikandar Raza, the crafty left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, and the promising young talent Momin Qamar. With Islamabad United’s lineup heavily stacked with right-handers, Asif Afridi’s role becomes even more crucial, potentially holding the key to controlling the middle overs.
Probable XIs
LQ
Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique , Kushal Preara (WK) , Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings , Sikandar Raza, Jahandad Khan, Asif Afridi, Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Azab khan
IU
Colin Munro, Matt Short , Agha Salman, Shadab Khan (C), Azam Khan(WK), Haider Ali , Imad wasim, Jason Holder, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah , Riley Meredith
Head to head
The head-to-head record between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United has been remarkably tight over the years, reflecting the intensity of their rivalry. Out of 19 encounters, Islamabad United holds a narrow edge with 10 wins, while Lahore Qalandars have triumphed in 9 — a testament to how closely contested their battles have been.
Pitch Report
Rawalpindi has traditionally offered a batter-friendly surface with relatively short boundaries, making it a venue where chasing is often the preferred strategy. However, there is typically some early movement on offer under lights, which can pose a challenge for top-order batters in the initial overs.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan (TV): A Sports HD, PTV Sports
Pakistan (Live Streaming): tapmad, Tamasha, Daraz, myco, bogn
UK: Sky Sports, Geo News (Sky 734)
North America: Willow
Africa: SuperSport
MENA Region: myco
Bangladesh: T Sports
India (Linear TV): Sony Sports Network
India (Digital): FanCode
Sri Lanka & Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
Rest of the World: Spor
ts Central
