PSL 2025 restarts in Pakistan with Babar Azam masterclass against Karachi Kings
PCB confirms no venue change; tickets valid for revised schedule
DUBAI: The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 resumed on Saturday after a nine-day interruption prompted by heightened tensions between Pakistan and India earlier this month.
The temporary pause came as both nations responded to escalating hostilities along the Line of Control, leading to the suspension of domestic sporting activities, including the PSL and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
While there were discussions about shifting the remainder of the tournament to Dubai, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted to retain all fixtures on home soil. Security arrangements were reinforced across match venues, and play resumed with much fanfare. The opening ceremony featured patriotic performances by Sahir Ali Bagga and Asrar Shah, a fireworks display, and attendance from top military officials and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Meanwhile, the IPL 2025, which was also momentarily halted due to the regional unrest, resumed operations last week in India.
Babar’s masterclass
On return to action, fans were treated to a high-scoring encounter between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Babar Azam’s masterful 94 off 49 deliveries stole the show, although his side ultimately fell short.
Zalmi, chasing a mammoth target of 238, put up a spirited fight. Babar anchored the innings after the early dismissal of Mohammad Haris (9), forging a key 77-run stand with Saim Ayub (47 off 31). The Zalmi skipper struck 10 boundaries and 4 sixes, orchestrating partnerships with Kohler-Cadmore (20) and Max Bryant (7) to keep the chase alive.
However, the turning point came in the 18th over. A miscommunication between Babar and his batting partner led to a run-out – Babar dismissed for 94, just six runs short of what would have been his second PSL century. His exit proved decisive, as Zalmi lost momentum and finished at 214/5, falling short by 23 runs.
Karachi Kings' bowling attack, led by Abbas Afridi (2/48), held firm in the final overs. Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza chipped in with one wicket each, while the rest of the attack managed to contain the late charge from Hussain Talat (12*) and Maaz Sadaqat (19*).
Kings dominate Zalmi
Earlier, Karachi Kings had posted a massive 237/4, the highest total in PSL 2025 so far, after being put into bat. Despite losing opener Ben McDermott to a golden duck on the first delivery, David Warner (86 off 50) and James Vince (72 off 42) launched a stunning counterattack.
Their 162-run second-wicket partnership – the second-highest in PSL history – set the foundation for a dominant total. Although Zalmi managed to break through in the 15th over when Vince edged behind and Irfan Khan followed soon after, Warner continued his assault before falling to Arif Yaqoob.
The closing overs belonged to Khushdil Shah (43* off 15) and Mohammad Nabi (26* off 10), who added 70 runs in the last 23 deliveries. Their ferocious finish saw Kings close at 237/4, a score that proved just enough to deny Zalmi.
Luke Wood was the standout performer for Zalmi with the ball, claiming 2 wickets for just 19 runs. However, his efforts were undermined by a lack of support, with Ali Raza (1/60) and Ahmad Daniyal (0/66) enduring expensive spells.
The win secured Karachi Kings a place in the playoffs alongside defending champions Islamabad United.
Tickets & fixtures
With the PSL 2025 schedule now back on track, the PCB has provided updated ticketing information for fans.
Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled matches on 8, 9, and 10 May are now valid for the rescheduled fixtures on 17, 18, and 19 May, respectively. Notably, 18 May features a double-header at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A single ticket originally valid for 9 May will grant access to both matches on that day.
Match timings are set at 3.30pm for afternoon fixtures and 8pm for evening contests on 18 May. All other evening games, including the final league stage clash on 19 May between Islamabad United and Karachi Kings, will begin at 7.30pm.
The Qualifier, Eliminators, and Final will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 21 to 25 May, with a rest day scheduled for Saturday, 24 May.
Fans can book their tickets online at pcb.tcs.com.pk, and previously purchased tickets for Eliminator 1, Eliminator 2, and the Final remain valid on the updated dates.