Part 1: League Stage – A Rocky Road to Redemption
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season, also known as HBL PSL X, was a rollercoaster for the Lahore Qalandars, who entered the 10th edition as the only team to have defended their title in PSL history (in 2023). With high expectations and a legacy to uphold, the Qalandars faced early challenges but found their footing to secure a playoff spot.
The Qalandars kicked off their campaign on April 11 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium against defending champions Islamabad United. They suffered an 8-wicket defeat, scoring only 139 all out, with Islamabad chasing the target in 17.4 overs. This loss exposed early batting vulnerabilities, but they bounced back on April 14 against Quetta Gladiators, posting 219/6 and bowling out their opponents for 140, securing a 79-run victory. Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi led the charge, setting a positive tone.
The early phase was inconsistent, with a 65-run win over Karachi Kings on April 15, but a 33-run loss to Multan Sultans on April 22. By May 8, when the tournament was postponed due to geopolitical tensions, Lahore had won 3 of their 7 matches, placing them fourth on the points table. Their inconsistency, coupled with the unavailability of key overseas players like Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings for parts of the season, raised doubts about their title chances.
The PSL resumed on May 17, with remaining matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Lahore used the break to regroup. On May 18, they faced Peshawar Zalmi in a rain-affected 13-over game at Rawalpindi. Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 60 off 36 (7 fours, 3 sixes) powered them to 149/8, and their PDP find Salman Mirza’s 4/31 restricted Zalmi to 123/8, securing a 26-run win. This victory confirmed their playoff berth while eliminating Zalmi, boosting morale.
Their momentum continued with an 88-run win over Islamabad United on April 30 at Gaddafi Stadium, but a no-result against Quetta Gladiators on May 1 due to rain and a 4-wicket loss to Karachi Kings on May 4 showed their vulnerabilities. Despite these setbacks, their local core—Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Naeem—stepped up, while Shaheen Afridi’s leadership kept them competitive. They finished the group stage in fourth place, qualifying for the playoffs with a record that reflected both their potential and their struggles.
Challenges in the League Stage
Lahore faced significant hurdles during the league stage. The absence of a coach in the second phase of the tournament, unavailability of Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings, and the tournament’s suspension due to geopolitical tensions tested their resilience. Despite these adversities, their team spirit, bolstered by the Qalandars High Performance Centre’s talent pipeline, ensured they remained in contention.
Part 2: Playoffs – Rising to the Occasion
Having secured fourth place in the league stage, the Lahore Qalandars entered the PSL 2025 playoffs with a point to prove. The playoffs tested their resilience, but their depth and determination shone through, propelling them into the final.
In the Eliminator on May 22 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore faced Karachi Kings. Despite missing Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings, the Qalandars chased a competitive total, with Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique providing stability, to win by 5 wickets and advance to Qualifier 2. This victory showcased their ability to perform under pressure, even without key overseas players.
Qualifier 2 on May 23 pitted them against Islamabad United, a team that had beaten them earlier in the season. Lahore posted a formidable 202/8, thanks to contributions from Kusal Perera and Mohammad Naeem. Their bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Rishad Hossain (3 wickets each), then dismantled United for 107, securing a 95-run victory. This statement win highlighted their dominance and set the stage for a blockbuster final against Quetta Gladiators, who had topped the group stage and won Qualifier 1.
Key Performers in the Playoffs
- Kusal Perera: His significant contribution in Qualifier 2 helped Lahore post a daunting total, setting the tone for their bowling attack.
- Shaheen Afridi: The captain’s leadership and bowling (3 wickets in Qualifier 2) were pivotal in dismantling Islamabad United.
- Mohammad Naeem: His runs in Qualifier 2 provided the backbone for Lahore’s batting effort, ensuring they had a defendable total.
The playoffs also marked the return of Sikandar Raza, who arrived just before the final after playing a Test for Zimbabwe against England. His inclusion would prove to be a masterstroke in the next stage of their journey.
Part 3: The Final – A Night of Glory Amidst Injury Chaos
The PSL 2025 final on May 25 at Gaddafi Stadium was a dramatic showdown that encapsulated Lahore Qalandars’ resilience. Facing Quetta Gladiators, who posted a challenging 201/9, Lahore overcame a barrage of injuries and intense pressure to clinch their third PSL title with a 6-wicket victory, chasing 204/4 in 19.5 overs.
Quetta’s innings was driven by Hasan Nawaz’s 76 off 43 (8 fours, 4 sixes) and Faheem Ashraf’s late 28 off 8 (2 fours, 3 sixes). However, Lahore’s fielding effort came at a significant cost. Haris Rauf took a difficult diving catch to dismiss Finn Allen off Salman Mirza’s bowling, but banged his head on the ground in the process, causing a momentary scare; he continued after on-field medical attention but appeared shaken. In the 8th over, Fakhar Zaman attempted to take a sharp catch at short cover off Hasan Nawaz’s fierce drive; the ball struck his right finger, forcing him off the field for treatment. In the 12th over, Mohammad Naeem and Asif collided while diving to save a boundary off Avishka Fernando’s cover drive at deep square leg, resulting in a wrist injury for Naeem and a bruised shoulder for Asif.
Despite these setbacks, Shaheen Afridi (3/32) and Haris Rauf (2/38) restricted Quetta, especially in the death overs, where they lost 5 wickets for 56 runs. Chasing 202, Lahore faced early pressure. Fakhar Zaman (11 off 10, 2 fours), hampered by his finger injury, fell lbw to Abrar Ahmed in the fourth over. Mohammad Naeem’s explosive 46 off 27 (1 four, 6 sixes) set the tone, smashing three sixes in the fifth over off Faheem Ashraf, but his wrist injury from the earlier collision limited his mobility, and he fell in the 10th over, caught by Avishka Fernando off Faheem Ashraf.
Abdullah Shafique (41 off 28, 4 fours, 1 six) provided stability, but his dismissal in the 14th over left Lahore needing 53 off 30 balls. Kusal Perera (62* off 31, 5 fours, 4 sixes) anchored the chase, hitting a crucial six in the 18th over to reduce the equation to 24 off 12. Sikandar Raza’s comeback became the defining moment. Arriving just 10 minutes before the toss after playing a Test for Zimbabwe against England, Raza was a last-minute addition. His unbeaten 22 off 7 (2 fours, 2 sixes), including two sixes in the 19th over off Abrar Ahmed and a match-winning boundary through deep midwicket off Khurram Shahzad in the final over, sealed the win. Lahore finished at 204/4 in 19.5 overs, winning with one ball to spare.
Key Performers in the Final
- Kusal Perera: Player of the Match, his unbeaten 62 guided Lahore through a tense chase.
- Sikandar Raza: His dramatic comeback and 22* off 7 turned the game, showcasing his big-match temperament.
- Shaheen Afridi: The captain’s 3/32 in the final and 15 wickets in PSL finals history underscored his leadership.
- Mohammad Naeem: His 46, despite a wrist injury, set the tone for the chase.
Legacy and Impact Across the Journey
The PSL 2025 triumph marked Lahore Qalandars’ third title in four years (2022, 2023, 2025), tying them with Islamabad United as the most successful team in PSL history. Their ability to win despite injuries in the final highlighted their Player Development Program, producing talents like Mohammad Naeem and Salman Mirza. Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy was pivotal, navigating the team through tough moments from the league stage to the final. Off the field, their partnership with the Wildlife Department Punjab and use of armbands on April 30 promoted sustainability, reflecting their commitment to social causes. The passionate Lahore crowd at the final underscored their status as the PSL’s “most favorite franchise.”
Looking Ahead
With the PSL set to expand to eight teams in 2026, Lahore Qalandars are poised for continued dominance. Their 2025 journey, marked by Sikandar Raza’s heroic comeback and their ability to overcome a barrage of injuries in the final, will be remembered as a testament to their resilience and legacy—a true embodiment of their motto: “Where champions are made, and cricketing legacies thrive.”
Also Read: Lahore Qalandars Crowned Kings of PSL 2025 – Sikandar Raza Writes the Final Line