Mohammad Amir hints at favoring IPL over PSL in future

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has expressed a preference for the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the Pakistan Super League (PSL). 

Amir, who is set to represent Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, was asked during a recent podcast which league he would choose if both took place simultaneously.

The pacer candidly replied that he would opt for the IPL if given the opportunity.

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“Honestly, if I get the chance, I will definitely play in the IPL. I’m saying this openly. But if I don’t get a chance, then I will play in the PSL,” Amir revealed.

Mohammad Amir had previously expressed a similar sentiment in an earlier interview, where he mentioned his desire to play in the IPL once he obtains his UK passport.

“By next year, I will have the opportunity to play in the IPL. If given the chance, why not? I will play in the IPL,” he further remarked.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

It is important to note that Pakistani players have not participated in the Indian Premier League since 2008 due to political tensions between India and Pakistan.

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any formal directive regarding the participation of Pakistani players, IPL franchises have generally chosen not to bid for them.

The former pacer expressed his desire to represent Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) if selected.

It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 kicked off today with the match between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time champions Lahore Qalandars.

READ: Lahore Qalandars set Islamabad United 140 to win in PSL 10 opener

Islamabad United crush Lahore Qalandars in PSL 10 opener

RAWALPINDI: Jason Holder’s four-wicket haul and an unbeaten half-century from Colin Munro powered Islamabad United to a huge win over Lahore Qalandars in the opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a meagre total of 140, United comfortably knocked down the winning runs, losing 2 wickets in the process with 14 balls to spare.

The home team started their run chase on a challenging note, losing debutant opener Andries Gous in the second over with only eight runs scored.

After this early setback, Munro came out to bat alongside Sahibzada Farhan, and together they mounted a recovery by adding 55 runs for the second wicket.

However, Farhan fell victim to Haris Rauf in the ninth over, contributing 25 runs off 24 balls.

Next, Munro partnered with Salman Ali Agha, and the two formed a match-winning partnership of 80 runs, guiding the team to victory.

Munro top-scored with an unbeaten 59 runs off 42 balls, featuring seven fours and a six, while Agha contributed 41 not out from 34 balls, which included three fours and a six.

For the Lahore Qalandars, both Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf managed to take one wicket each.

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Earlier, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and chose to bowl first.

This decision proved advantageous for the defending champions, as their bowling unit, led by Holder, effectively dismantled the Lahore Qalandars’ batting lineup. The Qalandars were bowled out for a mere 139 runs in just 19.2 overs.

The start of the Qalandars’ innings was particularly poor, losing key batter Fakhar Zaman for just one run in the second over, with only four runs on the board.

Abdullah Shafique batted at number three and quickly established himself as a reliable player, but the rest of the team struggled, resulting in a disappointing overall score for the visitors.

Shafique was the top scorer, making 66 runs off 38 balls, which included six fours and three sixes, before being dismissed near the end of the innings.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He built important partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza, who contributed 13 and 23 runs, respectively.


Unfortunately, the other Qalandars batters found it difficult to handle the disciplined bowling attack from United, with none managing to score in double figures.

For United, Jason Holder stood out with impressive bowling figures of 4 wickets for 26 runs over four overs, while captain Shadab Khan took three wickets.

Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and overseas bowler Riley Meredith each claimed one wicket as well.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah and Riley Meredith.

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.

Ihsanullah joins Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 10

Peshawar Zalmi has officially signed pacer Ihsanullah in the supplementary category for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The team announced this signing on Instagram just hours before the tournament kicks off, stating, “Right Arm Fast Bowler @ihsanullah.50 joins the #YellowStorm in the Supplementary Category for #HBLPSLX.”

Rumors about his transfer from Multan Sultans to Peshawar Zalmi had been circulating on social media earlier this month when Ihsanullah was spotted wearing the Zalmi jersey.

 

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Reports at that time indicated that the right-arm pacer had participated in the Peshawar Zalmi training camp in preparation for PSL 10.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Ihsanullah made a name for himself in the cricket world by taking 22 wickets for Multan Sultans during the 2023 season of the Pakistan Super League.

He debuted in T20 internationals for Pakistan in March 2023. Unfortunately, he faced an elbow injury during his ODI debut against New Zealand in April 2023, which kept him out of the game.

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Ihsanullah made his return to competitive cricket in 2024 during the Champions T20 Cup, but Multan Sultans did not select him during the PSL 10 draft earlier this year.

The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is set to begin today (April 11) with an exciting opening ceremony at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The tournament opener will feature defending champions Islamabad United going up against two-time champions Lahore Qalandars.

PSL 10 will include a total of 34 matches from April 11 to May 18, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 13 of these games, including the two Eliminators and the final.

READ: ‘I’m not ashamed’: Mohammad Rizwan hits back at trolls criticizing his English

‘I’m not ashamed’: Mohammad Rizwan hits back at trolls criticizing his English

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!

He responded by stating that he does not feel ashamed of his inability to speak fluent English and emphasized that his main responsibility is to play cricket for his nation.

“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.

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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

Islamabad United win toss against Lahore Qalandars in PSL 10 opener

RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Lahore Qalandars in the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

PLAYING XIs

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah and Riley Meredith.

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars have squared off in 19 matches since the inaugural season of PSL. The United leads the head to head record with ten victories.

RECORD: Matches 19, Islamabad United 10, Lahore Qalandars 9

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

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: Final squads of all six teams for PSL 10

Wait ends as PSL 10 glittering opening ceremony kicks off

RAWALPINDI: The long wait of the cricket fans has finally ended as the star-studded opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 kicked off here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The grand opening ceremony featured renowned artists Abrar ul Haq, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig and Talha Anjum, who collaborated to craft the PSL 10 Anthem, X Dekho, alongside Abida Parveen and Young Stunners.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The opening match of the six-team tournament will be played between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time winners Lahore Qalandars on the same day, with the first ball to be bowled at 8:30 PM.

“The marquee event will be played at four venues – Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Multan Cricket Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The final of the event is scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium on 18 May.

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The newly constructed Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will welcome the tenth edition of the PSL on 24 April with home side Qalandars, winners of the seventh and eighth editions, taking on Peshawar Zalmi.

Peshawar Zalmi, champions of the 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.

READ: Pakistan outplay Scotland in ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Karachi Kings captain Warner eyes winning start in PSL 10

KARACHI: Karachi Kings captain David Warner expressed his goal to start the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 with a win against the Multan Sultans.

Warner stated that the Karachi Kings are packed with quality players, and their goal is to move forward step by step, starting with a win against Multan.

“Our immediate focus is to win the opening game. The team is shaping up well, and we’ve had productive training sessions despite the warm weather,” Warner said while addressing the media on Friday.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

He mentioned that the conditions at the National Stadium, especially the grassy wicket, reminded him of Australian pitches. “The surface here gives us something familiar to work with,” he added.

David Warner also shed light on the reason for his absence from the official pre-tournament press conference featuring captains of all six teams.

“I preferred spending that time working with the boys on the ground,” he explained.

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He emphasized the team’s approach to playing positive and competitive cricket while keeping the dressing room environment relaxed and enjoyable.

“The vibe within the group is fantastic. We want to enjoy the tournament while staying focused on our goals,” Warner shared. “We’ll continue to adjust our playing XI based on match conditions and pitch behavior.”

Karachi Kings will be aiming for a strong start as they go up against a well-balanced Multan Sultans side in what promises to be a high-octane clash on Saturday.

READ: Shaun Tait banking on experience in Karachi Kings’ pace attack

Islamabad United suffer major blow ahead of PSL 10 opener against Lahore Qalandars

Defending champions Islamabad United have been dealt an early blow ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 opener, as Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has opted out of the tournament.

United are all set to begin their title defense today against Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. But just hours before the big clash, news broke that Carey would not be joining the squad due to domestic commitments in Australia.

Carey was roped in as a partial replacement for South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen, who is yet to arrive in Pakistan.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The management of Islamabad United has now confirmed that Carey will not be available for the upcoming season, a decision that weighs heavily on the team. They have also shared encouraging news that Van der Dussen is anticipated to join the squad shortly.

The loss of a seasoned player like Alex Carey, renowned for his composed demeanor and adeptness in high-stakes moments, creates a noticeable void in the team’s depth as they prepare to embark on the tournament.

His absence leaves a pivotal gap that will be felt on and off the field, as his experience is invaluable in guiding younger players through the pressures of competition.

PSL 10 will feature 34 matches between April 11 and May 18 across four venues — Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan.

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Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is set to host 13 matches, including the two Eliminators and the final. Rawalpindi, which hosts tonight’s opener, will stage 11 games, including the first Qualifier.

Meanwhile, Karachi and Multan will each host five matches. The schedule also includes three double-headers — two on Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1).

Islamabad United Squad for PSL 10

Shadab Khan (c), Matthew Short, Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Jason Holder, Ben Dwarhuis, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad, Alex Carey, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Rassie van der Dussen.

READ: Corbin Bosch penalised by PCB for violating PSL contract

Abbas Afridi returns to Karachi Kings with eyes on PSL 10 Trophy

Pacer Abbas Afridi has rejoined the Karachi Kings for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, calling it a return to “old family” and expressing confidence in both his preparation and the squad’s potential to go all the way this season.

Afridi, who made his PSL debut with the Kings in PSL 6 (2021), was brought back into the fold during the Platinum round of the PSL 10 Draft after three successful seasons with Multan Sultans.

The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the league’s most promising fast bowlers, having claimed 43 wickets in 29 PSL matches at an impressive average of 19.74.

“I’m really excited for this PSL—returning to my old family, Karachi Kings. Preparations have been going really well and, InshaAllah, I’ll try to deliver strong performances throughout the tournament,” said Abbas.

Commenting on the squad’s prospects this year, the young pacer praised the team’s balance and depth.

“MashaAllah, Karachi Kings have assembled a very strong squad this season. The local talent and international experience in this group make us a well-rounded unit. We’re hopeful this combination takes us to the final—and beyond,” he added.

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When asked about the competition and which team could challenge the Karachi Kings the most, Abbas Afridi responded with confidence: “All teams are strong, no doubt—but I believe we are the strongest.”

“Our goal is simple: not to let any opponent get close. We’ll stick to the plans given by our captain, David Warner, and I’m personally very excited to play under his leadership.”

Abbas Afridi also acknowledged the support and trust shown by the Karachi Kings’ management since his return.

“The management has been backing me strongly and pushing me to give my best. I hope to live up to their expectations and contribute to the team’s success,” he further stated.

The pacer ended with a heartfelt message for the fans: “I would just say to all the fans—please come to the stadium and support us. Your presence means the world to us.”

Karachi Kings will kick off their PSL 10 campaign on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at National Bank Stadium, Karachi, against Multan Sultans—the very team Abbas Afridi represented over the past three seasons.

READ: Corbin Bosch penalised by PCB for violating PSL contract

David Warner’s absence from PSL 10 captains’ conference explained

The captains’ conference for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 saw five out of six franchise skippers in attendance, with Karachi Kings’ David Warner being the notable absentee.

Multan Sultans’ Mohammad Rizwan, Lahore Qalandars’ Shaheen Shah Afridi, Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam, Islamabad United’s Shadab Khan, and Quetta Gladiators’ Saud Shakeel represented their respective teams at the official media gathering.

In Warner’s absence, the Karachi Kings were represented by their newly appointed vice-captain Hasan Ali.

As for why Warner didn’t show up, the Australian star voluntarily chose to skip the media event to attend an intra-squad practice match instead.

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With the previous day’s training session having been called off, Warner preferred to utilise the available window to assess his squad closely ahead of the season opener.

It’s worth noting that PSL 10 will begin on Friday, April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, Karachi Kings will begin their campaign the following day, on April 12, with a home fixture against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 10

David Warner (captain), Abbas Afridi, Adam Milne, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Aamir Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Tim Seifert, Zahid Mahmood, Litton Das, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali, Riazullah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, and Mirza Mamoon.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed breaks silence on retirement rumours