After a nine-day break due to cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India, the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is all set to resume on Saturday, entering a decisive and action-packed phase. With only eight league matches remaining, five of the six franchises are still in the hunt for the four coveted playoff spots, setting up an electrifying conclusion to the group stage.
The league was suspended from May 7 to May 10 amidst rising regional tensions. Following a ceasefire agreement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) swiftly moved to resume the PSL, prompting teams to recall their overseas players who had exited during the pause.
Multan Sultans, last season’s runners-up, have already been eliminated from playoff contention after losing eight of their nine matches—a stunning fall from grace. Now, all eyes shift to Rawalpindi, which will host the final round of league matches before the playoff stage kicks off in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from May 21 to May 25, with May 24 serving as a rest day.
The high-voltage clash between Karachi Kings, led by David Warner, and Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi will mark the league’s return. Karachi, sitting second with 10 points from nine matches, needs just one win to confirm their playoff ticket. Zalmi, on the other hand, have eight points from eight matches and must win both of their remaining games to qualify and keep their perfect playoff record alive.
Quetta Gladiators have already booked their playoff spot with 13 points and will face the eliminated Multan Sultans on May 18—a game that might seem insignificant but gives Quetta a chance to experiment with new combinations and gear up for the knockouts.
Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, both on eight points from nine matches, each have one must-win fixture left. Lahore meets Zalmi on May 18 in a virtual do-or-die, while United takes on Kings on May 19 in what could be another eliminator.
Several foreign players have returned to strengthen their teams. Karachi Kings welcome back skipper Warner, along with James Vince, Mohammad Nabi, Tim Seifert, Ben McDermott, and George Munsey. United’s reinforcements include Alex Hales, Rassie van der Dussen, Tymal Mills, Jimmy Neesham, and Ben Dwarshuis.
Lahore Qalandars have brought in Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Sikandar Raza (who will depart before playoffs), filling gaps left by injuries. Zalmi have recalled Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Luke Wood, Max Bryant, and Najibullah Zadran but will miss Alzarri Joseph and Mitchell Owen.
Quetta continue to rely on Rilee Rossouw and Finn Allen, while adding Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, and Gulbadin Naib. Multan Sultans, though out, will meet player quotas with Peter Hatzoglou and Dilshan Madushanka.
As of now, Mohammad Rizwan tops the run charts with 363 runs, while Abbas Afridi and Jason Holder lead the bowling with 15 wickets each. With everything on the line, PSL 10’s closing week promises drama, thrill, and a fierce battle for playoff glory.
