The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season is scheduled to begin on April 11, with the reigning champions Islamabad United set to face two-time winners Lahore Qalandars in the curtain-raiser at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Islamabad United add Alex Carey to squad as partial replacement ahead of title defence
As they gear up to defend their title in the 10th edition of the PSL, Islamabad have bolstered their squad with the inclusion of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who joins the franchise as a partial replacement for South African batter Rassie van der Dussen. The management confirmed that van der Dussen would be unavailable for the upcoming season due to personal reasons, necessitating this change.
Carey’s addition has been made in the Supplementary category, and his experience at the international level is expected to strengthen Islamabad’s middle order and provide leadership behind the stumps. This marks a strategic move by the franchise, as they aim to maintain their depth in both batting and wicketkeeping roles ahead of a competitive PSL season.
Format and key fixtures: Double-headers and playoffs to spice up PSL 10
The 10th edition of the PSL will see 34 matches played across four major venues in Pakistan from April 11 to May 18. The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will serve as the tournament’s primary venue, hosting 13 matches including both Eliminators and the grand final.
The PSL 2025 league stage will follow a double round-robin format, with each of the six participating teams playing 10 matches, facing every other team twice. This ensures a balanced and competitive structure, where every game carries weight and no team can afford to slip. Once the league stage concludes, the top four teams on the PSL Points Table will qualify for the Playoffs, which are scheduled to be held from May 13 to May 18. The schedule also features three double-headers, injecting additional excitement into the tournament.
Also READ: From Alastair Cook to Wasim Akram: Here’s the full list of commentators for PSL 2025
Best playing XI of Islamabad United for the IPL 2025
1. Matt Short (Opener – Overseas)
The aggressive Australian batter provides quick starts at the top of the order with his fearless strokeplay. His ability to find gaps in the Powerplay and chip in with handy off-spin makes him a valuable asset in the top order.
2. Colin Munro (Opener – Overseas)
A T20 veteran, Munro brings immense firepower and experience. With his ability to take down both pace and spin, the left-hander forms a dangerous opening pair with Short, setting the tone early for Islamabad.
3. Salman Ali Agha (Middle-order – Pakistan)
Known for his calm temperament and adaptability, Agha provides stability in the middle. He rotates strike effectively and can accelerate when needed, often acting as a bridge between the explosive top order and the finisher.
4. Shadab Khan (Captain & All-rounder – Pakistan)
As captain and all-rounder, Shadab is the spine of the team. A dependable leg-spinner with a knack for breakthroughs and a dynamic middle-order batter, his leadership and all-round contributions remain central to Islamabad’s strategy.
5. Azam Khan (Wicketkeeper-batter – Pakistan)
A hard-hitting middle-order batter, Azam Khan brings explosive power to the death overs. Capable of single-handedly changing games, his finishing prowess and fearless intent make him one of Islamabad’s biggest threats.
6. Haider Ali (Finisher – Pakistan)
Haider provides finishing muscle in the lower middle order. With his natural strokeplay and confidence against spin, he is expected to play quick cameos that can push the total beyond par.
7. Imad Wasim (All-rounder – Pakistan)
An experienced campaigner, Imad adds balance with his accurate left-arm spin and calm lower-order batting. His economical overs in the middle phase often build pressure and restrict opposition run flow.
8. Jason Holder (All-rounder – Overseas)
The tall West Indian adds depth with both bat and ball. As a fast-bowling all-rounder, he brings experience, control in death overs, and late-hitting capabilities to finish off innings with authority.
9. Naseem Shah (Fast Bowler – Pakistan)
One of the most exciting young pacers, Naseem’s raw pace and ability to bowl with the new ball make him a key wicket-taker. He brings aggression, energy, and can rattle top-order batters early in the innings.
10. Ben Dwarshuis (Left-arm Pacer – Overseas)
A reliable T20 specialist, Dwarshuis brings variety with his left-arm angle. His change of pace and clever use of conditions make him particularly useful on slower wickets in Pakistan.
11. Hunain Shah (Pacer – Pakistan)
The younger brother of Naseem, Hunain offers pace and bounce in the latter half of the innings. Though still developing, his ability to bowl tough overs under pressure is promising for Islamabad’s future.
