Lahore’s Rise and the Dream of Three Titles

May 23, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
This isn’t just another match. It’s a date with destiny. The Lahore Qalandars, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, are one win away from their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title. They face Quetta Gladiators in a blockbuster final, and they’re ready.

Bouncing Back After 2024

Last year was tough. Lahore crashed out early. This year, they returned with fire. Every match, every over, every moment—they’ve fought with grit.

Their defining moment? A crushing 95-run win over Islamabad United in the eliminator 2 on May 23.
Shaheen picked 3 wickets for just 3 runs. Salman Mirza rattled the champions with 3-16. It was domination.
Earlier in the season, Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem set the tone with fireworks at the top. Lahore wasn’t just back—they were hungry.

Qalandars met Gladiators twice this season—once in control, once cut short

The first clash on April 13 in Rawalpindi was a statement win. Fakhar Zaman smashed 67 off 39 balls, and Sam Billings fired a 50* off just 19 deliveries, helping Lahore post a massive 219/6. Shaheen Shah Afridi then led with the ball, grabbing 2 for 6 as Quetta folded for 140. A 79-run victory sent a strong message early in the campaign.

The second meeting on May 1 at Gaddafi Stadium was shaping up to be another high-scoring contest. Lahore were cruising at 111/3 in 11.3 overs when rain cut the game short, leaving fans hanging and the contest unresolved.

Now, with both teams set to battle in the final at full strength, the score is far from settled. Expect fireworks.

Turning Setback into Strength: The Rise of Salman Ali Mirza

Overseas players had to leave mid-tournament due to regional tensions. For many teams, that could’ve been a major blow. But Lahore turned it into an opportunity.

Enter Salman Ali Mirza.

Given a chance in the final stretch, the young pacer didn’t just fill a gap—he changed the game. Playing just three matches, he grabbed two Player of the Match awards, stepping up when it mattered most. His fiery spells brought breakthroughs when Lahore needed them most, helping flip the Qalandars’ fate and push them into the final.

In a season full of twists, Mirza’s rise has been one of Lahore’s most inspiring stories.

The Core That Built the Qalandars

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fire with the New Ball, Ice Under Pressure

With the new ball, he’s lethal. In the death overs, unplayable. And with the captain’s armband, downright inspirational. Shaheen Shah Afridi has led from the front, blending aggression with calm decision-making.

His 2 for 6 against Quetta earlier in the season was a pace bowling masterclass—swing, accuracy, and intimidation in full flow.

Yes, he went for runs in the final group stage match against Karachi Kings. But true champions rise from a bad day. And Shaheen did just that—bouncing back like only greats do, reminding everyone that one rough outing can’t overshadow consistent brilliance.

Fakhar Zaman: The Run Machine

Fakhar isn’t just a top scorer—he’s a mood. A 60 off 36 against Peshawar. A 67 off 39 vs Quetta. When he fires, Lahore flies.

Support Crew That Keeps Delivering

• Abdullah Shafique anchors the innings with calm.
• Asif Ali finishes with fireworks.
• Mohammad Naeem, young and fearless, gives fast starts.
• Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan bring pace and panic at the death.
• Salman Mirza keeps finding wickets at the right time.

Together, they’re a squad built for big moments.

Gaddafi Stadium: Where Lahore Becomes Unstoppable

This ground isn’t just home. It’s their fortress.

With over 35,000 fans roaring, Gaddafi becomes something else. The pitch helps batters but offers bounce early—perfect for Shaheen and Rauf.

Lahore won titles here in 2022 and 2023. Now they’re chasing a third. The stage couldn’t be better.

Game Plan: Hit Fast, Strike Early

With the Ball

Expect Shaheen and Salman Mirza to come hard with the new ball, targeting Quetta’s power-packed top order—especially Finn Allen and Rilee Rossouw. Early wickets will be key, and these two have the firepower to deliver.

In the middle overs, Shakib Al Hasan and Rishad Hossain bring spin, control, and deception. Their variations could break the rhythm and strangle Quetta’s middle order, especially on a pitch offering even a hint of grip.

Come the death overs, it’s back to raw pace and precision. Haris Rauf and Shaheen will look to close it out, with Haris’s express speed and Shaheen’s deadly yorkers keeping things tight.

With the Bat

Fakhar and Naeem will attack early. Shafique will build. Asif, Rajapaksa, and Perera? They’ll explode at the end.

It’s a plan built on pace, pressure, and power.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: The Leader Who Walks the Talk

At just 21, Shaheen Shah Afridi became the youngest captain to win a major T20 league title when he led Lahore Qalandars to their first PSL crown in 2022. He backed it up with another in 2023—making Lahore the first team to win back-to-back PSL titles.

Now in his third final as captain, Shaheen’s belief never wavers. After a tough loss to Karachi in the group stage, he boldly said, “We’ll see them in the playoffs.” He did exactly that—beating Karachi, then Islamabad, to storm into the final.

Shaheen leads with fire and belief. He’s not just a star bowler—he’s a game-changing captain.

Legacy on the Line

A win tonight means Lahore Qalandars will tie with Islamabad United for the most PSL titles—three.
It means redemption after 2024. It means proving that even with player exits, they’re deep, dangerous, and united.

Win or Lose, It’s All Cricket

It’s finally here. Two of the biggest names in PSL history, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators, going head-to-head once more. Think back to 2019 — Quetta pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in PSL final history. That hunger, that fight, it’s still burning in them.

This season, Quetta has been solid, tough to beat. But Lahore? They’re on another level right now, hungry for that third title.

At the end of the day, win or lose, this isn’t just a match. It’s a celebration of everything we love about cricket — passion, drama, heart, and the magic of the PSL. So let’s sit back, enjoy the battle, and celebrate the game that brings us all together.

At AskQalandars, our heart beats for the Qalandars, but our brain can’t help but respect the grit and fire of Quetta. Share if you’re feeling the same!

How to Watch the PSL 2025 Final

📅 Date: May 25, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM PKT
📍 Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
📺 Watch Live: A Sports HD / Ary Zap (VPN required for international viewers)
📱 In India: Stream via the Fancode app
🎟️ Tickets: pcb.tcs.com.pk

Go, Qalandars. One more time.