Sports Bulletin

Multan (SBR): Multan Sultans finally clinched their first win in HBL PSL X, defeating Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs in a high-scoring contest here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday night. Sultans opening batter Yasir Khan shone in his first outing of the season with an explosive 87 before an all-round bowling display spearheaded by pacer Ubaid Shah restricted Qalandars to 195-9 in the allotted 20 overs while chasing a mammoth 229-run target.Qalandars lost Mohammad Naeem (11, 11b, 2x4s) early in the chase with Michael Bracewell striking in the fourth over. The experienced Fakhar Zaman then led the charge with attacking strokes, racing to 32 off 14 balls including three sixes and two fours, but he was caught in the deep midwicket off Ubaid to leave Qalandars 49-2 in five overs.Timely strikes from Bracewell and Ubaid in the middle pegged back Qalandars from making significant progress. After Usama Mir castled No. 6 Qalandars batter Rishad Hossain for two, the visitors required another 118 runs for victory in 52 balls.The sixth-wicket partnership of 38 off 22 deliveries between Sam Billings (43, 23b, 2x4s, 4x6s) and Sikandar Raza briefly threatened Sultans. However, Billings skied one to Kamran Ghulam to hand Ubaid his third wicket of the night.Sikandar continued to play big shots after Billings’ departure, hitting an unbeaten 50 off 27 balls (5x4s, 3x6s) but the Qalandars’ lower-order failed to fire. For Sultans, Ubaid grabbed three wickets for 37 runs while off-spinner Bracewell and leggie Usama claimed two scalps each.Earlier, Yasir lit up Sultans’ first outing at home in HBL PSL X with a scintillating knock (87, 44b, 6x4s, 6x6s), propelling Multan Sultans to a commanding total of 228-5 – the highest team total at the Multan Cricket Stadium in HBL PSL history. He laid a rock-solid platform with skipper Mohammad Rizwan (32, 17b, 4x4s, 1x6) with a breezy 89-run opening stand in 45 balls.Sultans’ batting onslaught continued with the second-wicket partnership between Yasir and Usman Khan (39, 24, 5x4s, 1x6) yielding 70 runs in just 38 balls. Following Yasir’s exploits, Iftikhar Ahmed capped a dominant batting performance with a quick-fire cameo of 40 not out from 18 deliveries, smashing three boundaries and as many sixes.Qalandars' bowlers did not have the best time in the field as their pacers conceded a total of 142 runs in 10 overs with just one wicket between them. Left-arm orthodox Asif Afridi bowled an economical spell with 1-26 from his four overs whereas leg-spinner Rishad took two wickets for 45 runs.Scores in briefMatch 12: Multan Sultans beat Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs at Multan Cricket StadiumMultan Sultans 228-5, 20 overs (Yasir Khan 87, Iftikhar Ahmed 40 not out, Usman Khan 39, Mohammad Rizwan 32; Rishad Hossain 2-45)Lahore Qalandars 195-9, 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 50 not out, Sam Billings 43, Fakhar Zaman 32; Ubaid Shah 3-37, Michael Bracewell 2-20, Usama Mir 2-26)Player of the match – Yasir Khan (Multan Sultans).

KARACHI (SBR): Islamabad United continued their red-hot form in the HBL PSL X by clinching their fourth successive win, sweeping aside Karachi Kings in a low-scoring contest by six wickets with 17 balls to spare here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi on Sunday night. United skipper Shadab Khan displayed his all-round skills to set up his side’s ninth consecutive victory over KingsIn pursuit of the modest target of 129 runs, the in-form United opener Sahibzada Farhan once again took the charge by scoring 30 off 18 balls with the help of five boundaries and a six.Hasan Ali then sent back Sahibzada and Colin Munro in the fifth over including a sharp in-swing delivery to disturb the stumps of the latter. Despite taking two wickets in quick succession, Kings’ bowlers could not trouble the batters enough as Shadab and Azam Khan stitched a match-winning partnership of 65 runs in 52 deliveries.Azam (31, 30b, 3x4s, 1x6) fell to Mohammad Nabi in the 14th over, but the bulk of the chase had already been completed. Shadab (47, 40b, 5x4s, 2x6s) carried on to steer the chase, holding firm until he was bowled by Mohammad Abbas Afridi with just one run required to win.In the first innings, nothing seemed to go Kings’ way as they found it tough on a pitch with variable bounce on offer. Naseem Shah set the tone with a magnificent new ball-spell, claiming the prized scalp of David Warner with a pearlerUnited spinners dried up the runs as Imad Wasim and Shadab weaved a web over Kings. Opening batter Tim Seifert, who was the top scorer for Kings, laboured to a sluggish 30 off 37 deliveries, before getting out in the 13th over.Shadab ended with two wickets for 17 runs off his four overs whereas pacers Naseem and Jason Holder also claimed two wickets each, capping the brilliant bowling performance.No. 9 Kings batter Abbas finished the innings with a flourish after he entered the fray with his side reeling at 102-7 in 18 overs. Abbas smashed 24 runs off just nine deliveries, including three sixes and a four, taking the home side to 128-7 in the allocated 20 overs.Scores in brief Match 10:Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by six wickets at National Bank Stadium, KarachiKarachi Kings 128-7, 20 overs (Tim Seifert 30, Mohammad Abbas Afridi 24 not out, Saad Baig 20; Shadab Khan 2-17, Naseem Shah 2-29, Jason Holder 2-39) Islamabad United 129-4, 17.1 overs (Shadab Khan 47, Azam Khan 31, Sahibzada Farhan 30; Hasan Ali 2-28)Player of the match – Shadab Khan (Islamabad United).

Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi outclassed Multan Sultans by 190 runs in the 9th game of the HBL PSL-10 here in a jam-packed Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday night, as more than half the spectators were backing Zalmi, having yellow flags in their hands. Multan Sultans were chasing 128 runs target in 20 overs, in the fourth over, they got a setback when Saim Ayub dismissed Sultans’ skipper Mohammad Rizwan on the first ball of his spell. Ali then rattled Sultans’ batting line-up by striking twice in two deliveries in the 10th over, dismissing both Michael Bracewell and Ashton Turner.Ali’s fierce four-wicket haul was complemented by Arif Yaqoob’s 3-20 and Mitchell Owen’s two wickets in five deliveries as Sultans whimpered to 107 all out in 15.5 overs. Usman Khan, with a brisk 44 off 22 deliveries featuring four boundaries and three sixes, was the sole highlight in an otherwise lacklustre chase.Earlier, Zalmi were reduced to 5-2 in the third over of the game with Babar Azam falling to David Willey for two and Saim being dismissed by Bracewell for a low score. However, Sultans failed to capitalise on the momentum with no.4 batter Mohammad Haris launching an explosive 45 off just 21 balls with four fours and three sixes.Haris was involved in a 33-ball 79-run stand with Tom Kohler-Cadmore (52, 30b, 2x4s, 5x6s) for the third wicket that shifted the momentum in Zalmi’s favour. Hussain Talat contributed a useful 37 off 29 balls inclusive of three fours and one six, but it was the fiery finish provided by no.7 batter Abdul Samad and Mitchell Owen that took them beyond 200.Owen smashed 34 from just 15 deliveries, hammering four huge sixes, while Samad lit up the innings with a blistering 40 off only 14 balls with four boundaries and three maximums. Although Ubaid Shah managed to remove the threatening Samad in the final over, the damage had already been inflicted. Bracewell and Willey took pair of wickets each for Zalmi.Scores in brief (Zalmi beat Sultans by 120 runs):Peshawar Zalmi 227-7, 20 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 52, Mohammad Haris 45, Abdul Samad 40, Hussain Talat 37, Mitchell Owen 34; David Willey 2-36, Michael Bracewell 2-37, Ubaid Shah 2-40)Multan Sultans 107 all out, 15.5 overs (Usman Khan 44, Shai Hope 20; Ali Raza 4-21, Arif Yaqoob 3-20, Mitchell Owen 2-2)Player of the match – Abdul Samad (Peshawar Zalmi).

Sports Bulletin ReportRawalpindi: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown for a suspect bowling action during his side’s HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.As per the rules, Usman can continue to bowl in future matches. However, if the spinner is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC accredited lab before he can resume bowling.

Sports Bulletin ReportLahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the match officials for HBL Pakistan Super League X, scheduled to take place across four venues – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May. A total of 13 umpires and seven match referees will be involved in 30 matches, while the match officials for the Qualifier, two eliminators and final, will be announced in due course.Elite Panel of ICC Umpires – Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel and Kumar Dharmasena are among the 13 umpires officiating in the six-team tournament. Also included are Alex Wharf and Chris Brown. From Pakistan, Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Rashid Riaz Waqar are part of the PCB International Panel of Umpires.Abdul Moqeet, Nasir Hussain, Tariq Rasheed and Zulfiqar Jan – part of PCB Elite Panel of Umpires will also be officiating matches during this edition of the HBL PSL. Among the match referees, ICC Elite Panel of Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle will officiate matches alongside his fellow Sri Lankan Roshan Mahanama. Also serving as match referees are Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed Malik – both from the PCB International Panel of Match Referees. Iftikhar Ahmed, Iqbal Sheikh and Nadeem Arshad will also officiate during the tournament.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board announced that for the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, fans will be able to enjoy full-match Urdu commentary throughout the tournament. The HBL PSL X is all set to take place in four cities – Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May.Fans can now choose to tune into live broadcasts in Urdu, allowing them to experience the action and excitement of the league matches in Pakistan’s national language. This step is set to deepen engagement with millions of cricket fans and enhance their experience.HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer: “This is a landmark moment for the HBL PSL and its ever-growing fanbase. Cricket is a unifying force in Pakistan and by offering commentary in Urdu for a full game, we are bringing the excitement and energy of the HBL PSL closer to the hearts of fans in every corner of the country. The introduction of the separate Urdu commentary feed is something that has been eagerly anticipated and we are excited to deliver it. This move not only strengthens our connection with the community but also ensures that the excitement of HBL PSL is more accessible to a wider audience.”

Lahore (PR): Lahore Qalandars are thrilled to announce Daily Deli Co., one of Pakistan’s leading fast-food chains, as an official sponsor for HBL Pakistan Super League 10. As part of this exciting partnership, the Daily Deli Co. logo will be prominently displayed on both sides of the Qalandars' helmets throughout the tournament, symbolizing a shared passion for cricket and excellence. This collaboration goes beyond branding—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for supporters and strengthening the bond between sports and local businesses. Atif Rana, CEO of Lahore Qalandars, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to welcome Daily Deli Co. to the Qalandars family for HBL PSL 10. Their support highlights the growing appeal of Lahore Qalandars and the HBL PSL, and we look forward to working together to make this season even more special for our fans.” A representative of Daily Deli Co echoed Atif Rana’s sentiments, saying, “Daily Deli Co. is absolutely thrilled to partner with the Lahore Qalandars for PSL'25! It was only a matter of time before Daily Deli Co. took the big stage, and we couldn't think of a better partner than Lahore Qalandars! As a brand, we're passionate about serving up more than just great food - we're committed to delivering unforgettable experiences for our fans in Lahore. We believe this collaboration will be a winning combination, and we look forward to a fantastic PSL season together. Dama Dam Mast Qalandar!” As Lahore Qalandars gear up for another thrilling PSL campaign, this partnership with Daily Deli Co. promises to enhance the fan experience and bring cricket lovers closer to the action. With the Qalandars’ spirit and Daily Deli Co.’s energy, the stage is set for an unforgettable season of cricket, passion, and celebration. 

Lahore (PR): HBL PSL X tickets will go on sale online from Thursday, 3 April, at 3pm PKT as the marquee event is all set to commence from 11 April. The six-team tournament will be played at the four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, with the final scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 18 May.Physical tickets will go on sale at designated TCS express centres (infographic attached) from 7 April onwards. Tickets booked online can also be collected from TCS designated pick-up centres or can be home-delivered by TCS. The tickets will be available to fans at an affordable rate, with general tickets available to fans at PKR 650 at all four venues. The tickets for the opening match scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars will be available from PKR 1,000 to PKR 8,500. 

Rawalpindi to host 11 matches, defending champions Islamabad United to face Lahore Qalandars in opening fixtureSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, as the defending champions Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars on April 11, 2025 in the opening fixture of the HBL PSL 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The six-team tournament will see 34 matches from 11 April to 18 May, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium set to host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the final.Also, the upcoming edition will feature an exhibition match, which will be played on 8 April in Peshawar. The teams of the match will be confirmed in due course. For HBL PSL X, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including Qualifier 1 on 13 May. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches each. The marquee event will also feature three double-headers, with two matches on weekends (Saturday) and one on a national holiday (Labour Day).Karachi Kings –winners of the league’s fifth edition, will begin their campaign on 12 April in their own backyard against runners up of the last edition, Multan Sultans.Multan Sultans’ – the winners of the sixth edition, will face Lahore Qalandars on 22 April – the first HBL PSL X match hosted by Multan Cricket Stadium.The newly constructed Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will welcome the tenth edition of the HBL PSL on 24 April with home side Qalandars, winners of the seventh and eighth editions taking on Peshawar Zalmi.Peshawar Zalmi, champions of the HBL PSL 2017 will play their five matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the winners of the fourth edition, Quetta Gladiators will play five matches at the Gaddafi Stadium.HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer: “We are thrilled to officially announce the schedule for the historic 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. Over the past decade, the HBL PSL has grown into a globally recognised tournament, showcasing the best of Pakistan’s cricketing talent. The fans in this year’s tournament will not only see high-profile international cricketers but will also witness 34 high-octane matches across four major cities—Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. As part of our commitment to expanding the reach of the HBL PSL, we are delighted to host an exhibition match in Peshawar before the start of the tournament, which is a significant step in bringing top-tier cricket to Peshawar, a city with a deep-rooted love for the game. We remain dedicated to enhancing the experience for players, fans, and stakeholders, who have witnessed some breathtaking contests in the league over the years.”HBL PSL X schedule (April 11 to May 18, 2025):11 April – Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium12 April – Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium, Karachi13 April – Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium14 April – Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium15 April – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium, Karachi16 April – Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium18 April – Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium, Karachi19 April – Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium20 April – Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium, Karachi21 April – Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium, Karachi22 April – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium23 April – Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium24 April – Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore25 April – Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore26 April – Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 April – Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore29 April – Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore30 April – Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 May – Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore2 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore3 May – Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore4 May – Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore5 May – Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium7 May – Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium8 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium9 May – Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium10 May – Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium13 May – Qualifier 1, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium14 May – Eliminator 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore16 May – Eliminator 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore18 May – Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The six HBL PSL franchises have announced their retentions ahead of the HBL PSL 2025 Players Draft, which is scheduled to take place on 11 January.Each franchise was allowed a maximum of eight retentions from their previous squad. Three franchises made full use of the retentions except Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi – who retained seven players each.Defending champions and three-time winners of the HBL PSL, Islamabad United have retained their skipper Shadab Khan, who was also player of the tournament in their successful campaign last season, and star fast bowler Naseem Shah in the Platinum category.Full retentions:Islamabad United (8) Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah (both Platinum), Imad Wasim (mentor) and Azam Khan (Diamond), Salman Ali Agha (Brand Ambassador) and Haider Ali (Both Gold, Colin Munro and Rumman Raees (both Silver)Multan Sultans (7) Mohammad Rizwan and Usama Mir (both Platinum), David Willey (mentor), Iftikhar Ahmed (Brand Ambassador) and Usman Khan (all Diamond), Chris Jordan (Gold), Faisal Akram (Silver)Peshawar Zalmi (7) Babar Azam, Saim Ayub (both Platinum), Mohammad Haris (Diamond), Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz and Sufyan Moqim (Brand Ambassador) (all silver), Ali Raza (Emerging)Quetta Gladiators (8) Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir (mentor) and Rilee Rossouw (all Diamond), Akeal Hosein, Saud Shakeel (Brand Ambassador) and Mohammad Wasim Jnr (all Gold), Khawaja Muhammad Nafay and Usman Tariq (Silver)Karachi Kings (7) Hasan Ali and James Vince (both Diamond), Muhammad Irfan Khan and Shan Masood (both Gold), Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador), Tim Seifert and Zahid Mehmood (all Silver)Lahore Qalandars (8) Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman (both Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador) and Sikandar Raza (both Diamond), Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan and Zaman Khan (all Gold), David Wiese (Silver)Successful category relegation requests: Rumman Raees (Islamabad United), Hasan Ali, Shan Masood and Zahid Mehmood (all Karachi Kings), Abdullah Shafique (Lahore Qalandars), Faisal Akram (Multan Sultans)Some of the star foreign players registered in the top two categories: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq Murid, Mohammad Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, Qais Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote (all Afghanistan), David Warner, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Short, Riley Meredith, Sean Abbott, William Sutherland, Mark Steketee, Ashton Agar, Daniel Sams, Jason Behrendorff, Chris Lynn, Moises Henriques, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Josh Philippe, Benjamin Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Jake Lehmann, (all Australia), Mustafizur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah Riyad, Hasan Mahmud, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Tawhid Hridoy (all Bangladesh), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sam Billings, Jason Roy, Joe Clarke, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills, Alex Hales, Laurie Evans, Dawid Malan, Luke Wood (all England), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Michael Bracewell, Martin Guptill, Ajaz Patel, Colin De Grandhomme, Ish Sodhi (All New Zealand), Rassie van Der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Corbin Bosch, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Nandre Burger, Duan Jansen, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder (all South Africa), Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka, Dinesh Chandimal, Dunith Wellalage, Lahiru Kumara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (all Sri Lanka), Andries Gous, Corey Anderson (All USA), Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, Matthew Forde, Kyle Mayers, Andre Fletcher, Obed McCoy, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Dominic Drakes, Shamar Springer, Hayden Walsh Jnr (All West Indies), Ryan Burl, Blessing Muzarabani (all Zimbabwe).