Tag: Multan Sultans

READ: Mohsin Naqvi reiterates Pakistan will not travel to India for Women’s World Cup

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Mohsin Naqvi reiterates Pakistan will not travel to India for Women’s World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed has defended Mohammad Rizwan, supporting the Multan Sultans captain to continue leading the ODI side despite the surrounding criticism.

Rizwan’s captaincy has faced intense criticism in recent weeks due to notable setbacks experienced by Pakistan under his leadership.

The team was eliminated from the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, followed by a disappointing white-ball tour to New Zealand.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

However, Iftikhar, known for his blunt remarks, does not believe the narrative that Rizwan’s time is over as Pakistan’s captain.

“For me, if you compare everywhere, I think Rizwan is the best option,” Iftikhar Ahmed said during a recent interview.

“It’s not because he’s my friend or because we both represent Multan Sultans. If you assess the available options with a performance lens, not a personal one, Rizwan still stands out — and more importantly, he has the ability to improve.”

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It’s worth noting that Rizwan’s track record in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) remains a strong argument in his favour.

Since taking over the reins of Multan Sultans, he has led them to four consecutive finals, including a title win in 2021 — a level of consistency few franchises have matched in recent PSL history.

That said, PSL 10 hasn’t started the way Multan fans would’ve hoped, with the team losing their first two matches.

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Multan Sultans on Saturday announced their support for charitable organizations in Palestine, particularly those that help children affected by the ongoing conflict during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The announcement was made by the Sultans’ captain, Mohammad Rizwan, during the toss. He shared that the franchise will donate to charities in Palestine for every six and wicket taken by their players.

“I have an announcement to make from Multan Sultans. On every six and four, or a wicket, we will do something for the children in Palestine and Gaza,” said Rizwan at the toss.

Earlier, Ali Tareen, who owns the Sultans, shared the same announcement in a video statement.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Tareen disclosed that both their batters and bowlers wanted to contribute to the aid of Palestinians; therefore, the franchise decided to donate PKR 100,000 for each six scored or wicket taken by their players.

“We would like to make an announcement on behalf of Multan Sultans that we have decided to support Palestinian charities in this season [of PSL],” said Tareen.

“Since our players wanted to be a part of this, so we have decided whenever any of our batter hits a sixer, we will donate 100,000 rupees to Palestinian charities.”

“Similarly our bowlers wanted to join so we will also be donating 100,000 rupees on each wicket taken to Palestinian charities, especially those who work for children, ” he concluded.

Multan Sultans squad for PSL 10: Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir and Michael Bracewell (all platinum), David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed and Usman Khan (all diamond), Chris Jordan, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Hasnain (all gold), Faisal Akram, Akif Javed, Gudakesh Motie, Josh Little and Tayyab Tahir (all silver), Shahid Aziz and Ubaid Shah (both emerging), Muhammad Amir Barki, Johnson Charles and Yasir Khan (all supplementary).

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KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan addressed the criticism of his English skills on Friday, stating that he is not ashamed of speaking English.

Rizwan has been the target of social media trolling regarding his English speaking abilities since Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 and the subsequent white-ball tour of New Zealand.

He was also ridiculed by former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg in a viral video, where Hogg interacted with an impersonator resembling Rizwan.

In a press conference ahead of the PSL 10 opener against Karachi Kings, Mohammad Rizwan was questioned about the social media trolling focused on his English skills.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I don’t care [about social media trolling]. I am proud of one thing and that is whatever I say, I say from my heart. And by the grace of Almighty Allah, I don’t know English.”

“The only regret is that I did not get enough education but I am not even one per cent ashamed that I can’t speak English despite being the captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” Rizwan explained.

The wicket-keeper emphasized his cricketing ability, lamenting that he regrets not finishing his education.

“The demand from me is cricket, not English. There is a regret that I did not complete my education, which is why I struggle in speaking English.”

“Pakistan is not demanding English from me if that is the case, I will leave cricket to become a professor but I do not have that much time,” he added.

Rizwan mentioned that he encourages younger players to prioritize their education to communicate effectively on an international stage while representing Pakistan.

When asked why he doesn’t bring a translator or speak Urdu during media engagements, Rizwan agreed it was a valid concern but felt he could express his thoughts well enough in English.

“That is a valid point that we should speak Urdu but sometimes we feel that we can speak much to make someone understand [what I am saying],” Rizwan argued.

“If an Englishman comes here, I can communicate with him and can even roam around the city for a day and he would not feel anything. Only those will feel, who are mad at me,” he concluded.

READ: Islamabad United win toss against Lahore Qalandars in PSL 10 opener

Multan Sultan’s owner, Ali Tareen, provided a major update on the comeback of fast bowler Ihsanullah ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The right-arm pacer rose to fame in the 2023 edition of the tournament when he bagged 22 wickets for his side.

His outstanding bowling in the PSL 2023 earned him a spot in the national team. He made his T20I debut against Afghanistan in March 2023.

However, Ihsanullah was ruled out of cricket due to an elbow injury he sustained during his ODI debut against New Zealand in April 2023.

The Multan Sultans pacer made a comeback in competitive cricket in December 2024 in the Champions T20 Cup, but could only take two wickets in four matches.

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During a recent podcast, Ali Tareen revealed that he had met Ihsanullah and discussed his return to the PSL.

Tareen stated that Ihsanullah aims to make a comeback by playing domestic cricket.

“Ihsanullah’s plan is to play a full domestic season and make a comeback next year in the PSL,” said Tareen.

“Recently, I met him during a nets session, he is bowling well and will go back to full fitness and will play a season of domestic cricket,” Ali Tareen added.

It is worth noting here that Tareen had claimed that the pacer would never be able to bowl fast again.

The Multan Sultans owner claimed to have consulted with a top surgeon who told them that the previous ‘botched surgery’ would not allow Ihsanullah’s arm to become perfectly straight and bowl fast.

The PSL 10 will begin from Friday, 11 April with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two times champions Lahore Qalandars 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.

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Multan Sultans’ owner Ali Tareen has reached out to fast bowler Ihsanullah, who was not picked in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Draft, and offered a new opportunity to the young pacer.

The emerging pace bowler, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is, sustained an elbow injury following the ODI series against New Zealand in April 2023.

He underwent surgery that same year and remained away from competitive cricket to focus on his rehabilitation.

Ihsanullah recently returned to action during the Champions T20 Cup in December 2024, where he took two wickets in four matches, though his speed was noticeably reduced.

Despite his comeback, he was not picked by his previous team Multan Sultans or any other franchise in the PSL 10 Draft.

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However, Ali Tareen came forward and offered Ihsanullah to represent the Sultans’ departmental team ‘JDW’ in the upcoming President’s Cup Grade Two tournament this season.

The fast bowler will train at the Multan Sultans Academy in Lodhran under the supervision of fast bowling coach, Catherine Dalton with an aim to regain full fitness and form.

Ali Tareen emphasized the importance of the young pacer, saying,

“Ihsanullah is an asset to us and this country. We will provide all possible support to restore his full fitness and form,” said Tareen.

“Fast bowlers like Ihsanullah are born once in a generation. He needs protection, and Multan Sultans are committed to assisting the PCB in nurturing and developing world-class talent.”

Ihsanullah, on the other hand, expressed his profound gratitude to Multan Sultans for extending their support.

“Multan Sultans have always supported me, and I am grateful for their continuous backing,” he said.

READ: South Africa face major blow as key pacer ruled out of Champions Trophy

KARACHI: Imad Wasim’s all-round exploits steered Islamabad United to their third Pakistan Super League title with a thrilling victory over Multan Sultans in the blockbuster PSL 9 final here at National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Set to chase 160 for their third PSL title, Islamabad United had a flying start to the pursuit as their new opening pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill scored 20 off the first two overs.

But the duo failed to continue the flying start as Munro fell victim to Khushdil Shah on the first delivery of the fourth over. He made 17 off 13 with the help of four boundaries.

The United then lost two more wickets in quick succession as Salman Ali Agha (10) and Shadab Khan (4) perished after scoring cheaply.

But Guptill remained firm and kept the scoreboard ticking in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with Azam Khan before a mix-up drew curtains on his tremendous knock.

He remained the top-scorer for the United with a 32-ball 50, peppered with four boundaries and three sixes.

Azam then partnered with Imad Wasim for a brief 19-run partnership, which lasted in the 16th over, courtesy of a brilliant DRS by Mohammad Rizwan off Usama Mir.

He smashed four boundaries and a six on his way to a 22-ball 30.

The United then sustained another massive blow to their pursuit as in-form Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf walked back in consecutive overs, bringing the equation down to 129/7.

The two-time champions then needed 31 off 17 deliveries with Imad and Naseem Shah at the crease.

The duo batted sensibly and brought the United in touching distance before Mohammad Ali dismissed Naseem Shah with a bumper on the penultimate delivery.

Islamabad United needed one run off the final delivery with Hunain Shah on the strike. The No.10 batter sensibly guided the ball towards the third-man region to steer his team over the line.

For the Sultans, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah bagged two wickets each while Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali and David Willey struck out a batter apiece.

Opting to bat first, the Sultans managed to register a subpar total on the board in the PSL 9 final despite Usman Khan’s anchoring half-century and Iftikhar Ahmed’s late onslaught.

The Sultans got off to a dismal start to their innings as their young opener Yasir Khan (6) fell victim to Imad Wasim in the second over.

Promoted to bat at No.3, vice-captain David Willey (6) had a brief stay at the crease as he too, fell victim to Imad after hitting the latter for a six.

Following the slump, Usman Khan then joined his skipper Mohammad Rizwan in the middle and the duo launched recovery.

The pair added 53 runs for the third wicket before Rizwan fell victim to his United counterpart Shadab Khan in the 10th over after scoring a run-a-ball 26.

Usman then took reigns of the Sultans’ batting expedition and put together brief partnerships with Johnson Charles and Khushdil Shah before perishing in the 16th over.

He remained the top-scorer for the Sultans with a gutsy 57 off 40 deliveries, laced up with seven boundaries and a six.

His dismissal sparked a lower middle-order collapse, triggered by Imad Wasim’s sensational last over, who returned with tremendous bowling figures of 5/22 in his four overs.

Consequently, the Sultans had been reduced to 127/9 in 17 overs before Iftikhar Ahmed launched a counterattack.

The right-handed batter smashed three boundaries and as many sixes on his way to a blistering 32-run cameo which came off just 20 deliveries.

Besides Imad, skipper Shadab chipped in for the United with the ball in the PSL 9 final, picking up three wickets for 32 runs in his quota of four overs.

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KARACHI: Multan Sultans have won the toss and elected to bat first against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 Final here at National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Alex Hales has been benched and Colin Munro is back in the side while Multan Sultans are unchanged.

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 15, Islamabad United 7, Multan Sultans 8

READ: Usman Khan picks better captain between Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed

KARACHI: Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan and his Multan Sultans’ counterpart Mohammad Rizwan posed with the Orion Trophy ahead of the highly-anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 final, scheduled on Monday.

To ignite the hype of the cricket enthusiasts, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday, arranged a captains’ photo shoot at Karachi’s Custom House.

The theme of the photo shoot was inspired by the metropolitan city’s renowned mini-bus.

Following the photo shoot, both captains shared their views ahead of the blockbuster PSL 9 final.

Mohammad Rizwan, who led Sultans to their third consecutive PSL final under his captaincy, expressed his excitement for the big match but at the same time refrained from taking the toll of the big-match pressure.

“We are playing the fourth consecutive final. Everyone in the team is excited but for me, the game is just like a season opener,” stated Rizwan.

Whereas, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan was upbeat about playing the PSL final after a gap of six years.

“Our team bonding has always been top notch and we have stayed like a family and play like United,” Shadab said.

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Both captains also requested the fans to come and fill the iconic National Bank Cricket Stadium in the PSL 9 final.

For the unversed, Multan Sultans enjoyed a dream run in the ongoing PSL 9 as the former champions became the first team to qualify for the Playoffs.

The Sultans then outclassed Quetta Gladiators in their final group-stage fixture to end as the table toppers with 14 points in 10 matches.

The 2021 champions then eased past Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier to make their way into the final.

On the contrary, Islamabad United had a campaign full of ups and downs, the two-time champions had a forgetful start to their campaign but soon regrouped and got back on the winning track.

They then edged Sultans in their last fixture to seal their place in the Playoffs.

The United then emerged victorious in two consecutive knockout matches against Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi respectively and made their way to the PSL 9 final.

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