May 23, 2025 | Bilal Qayyum
The Lahore Qalandars, one of the most beloved franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have rewritten their legacy with grit, flair, and a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing cricketing talent. While their early years were marred by inconsistency, the Qalandars have become a team synonymous with big-stage brilliance. A pattern has emerged over the years: whenever Lahore reaches the playoffs, there’s a high chance they’ll either go all the way or at least play the final. Their PSL journey is a story of transformation, resilience, and rising when it matters the most.
PSL 2025: Another Chapter in Lahore’s Grit-Driven Comeback
The 10th edition of the PSL, held from April 11 to May 25, 2025, once again showcased Lahore Qalandars’ ability to fight through adversity. Under the spirited leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, the team punched their ticket to the playoffs with a dramatic late surge, proving yet again that when the stakes are high, Lahore Qalandars are a force to be reckoned with.
Group Stage Highlights
Lahore played 10 group matches, collecting 9 points from 9 games before a must-win final league fixture. Despite early stumbles, they delivered when it counted most:
- Statement Wins: Key victories included a 79-run demolition of Quetta Gladiators and a thunderous 88-run triumph over Islamabad United, ending United’s record 10-match winning streak.
- Clutch Match vs. Zalmi: The defining moment came on May 18, 2025, when they knocked out Peshawar Zalmi in a rain-hit thriller. Fakhar Zaman’s 60 and debutant Salman Mirza’s 4-wicket haul sealed their playoff spot, denying Zalmi a historic run.
Playoff Performance: Rising When It Counts
Back-to-back wins in knockouts proved one thing — Lahore rises when it matters most.
- Eliminator 1 vs. Karachi Kings: In a high-pressure clash on May 22, Lahore overcame a subpar batting effort to chase down 191, powered by Fakhar’s explosive 47 and Abdullah Shafique’s classy 65. Haris Rauf’s 3/35 proved crucial, knocking out their arch-rivals.
- Eliminator 2 vs. Islamabad United: Lahore Qalandars crushed Islamabad by 95 runs — a dominant statement that punched their ticket to the PSL 10 final. With form, firepower, and playoff pedigree, they proved once again why they’re never to be counted out.
Stars of PSL 2025
- Fakhar Zaman: Leading run-getter and match-winner at the top.
- Mohammad Naeem: Rising star with fearless intent and quick-fire cameos that shifted momentum.
- Abdullah Shafique: Ice-cool under pressure with a match-winning knock in Eliminator 1.
- Haris Rauf: Death-bowling specialist with crucial breakthroughs in key games.
- Salman Mirza: Instant impact with a Player of the Match performance on debut.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: A leader who inspires and delivers in crunch moments.
Qalandars in Playoffs and Finals: A Legacy of Peaking Late
When Lahore Qalandars make it to the playoffs, history suggests they don’t just show up—they make a deep run:
| Year | Playoff Status | Final Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Qualified | Runners-up |
| 2022 | Qualified | Champions |
| 2023 | Qualified | Champions |
| 2025 | Qualified | TBD (Strong Contenders) |
From Wooden Spoon to Trophy Contenders
2016–2019: The Struggles
Lahore finished last in each of the first four seasons, struggling to find a winning formula despite flashes of individual brilliance.
2020 Onwards: The Turnaround
Their playoff qualification in 2020 marked the beginning of a new era. They reached their first final and continued to build momentum. The real breakthrough came under Shaheen Afridi:
- 2022: First title, beating Multan Sultans with a dominant all-round display.
- 2023: Successfully defended their title in arguably the greatest final in PSL history, beating Multan by just one run.
The Qalandars Formula: Why They Deliver When It Matters
- Player Development Program: Unearthing gems like Haris Rauf, Mohammad Naeem and Salman Mirza.
- Leadership Stability: Shaheen’s captaincy has instilled belief and unity.
- Big-Game Mentality: They may falter in the league stage, but come playoffs, they shift gears.
- Bowling Arsenal: A lethal pace attack capable of derailing any batting lineup.
- Explosive Batting: Fakhar and Naeem bring the fire up top, Abdullah adds class, while Kusal, Rajapaksa, and Asif Ali finish with fearless power—this lineup hits hard, start to finish.
Conclusion: Qalandars in Playoffs? Brace for a Final or a Trophy!
Lahore Qalandars’ PSL 2025 run proves what fans and rivals know well — once they’re in the playoffs, they’re a serious threat. With a battle-tested core, big-match temperament, and unwavering grit, Lahore has shed the underachiever tag for good. Now, with a spot in the PSL 10 final, a third trophy isn’t just a dream — it’s within reach.
Also Read: Lahore Qalandars Avenge Humiliating Defeat Against Karachi Kings
