The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League is already firing on all cylinders, with the season almost halfway done.

Six of Pakistan’s top franchises will compete in 34 matches this season, with international and local stars in the mix.

With the 20-over cricket tournament set to wrap on May 18, all eyes are on Islamabad United and their title defence.

The champions have picked up where they left off in 2024, currently topping the table and a superior net run rate.

Could this be another successful year for IU or will another franchise make history in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium?

The 2025 Pakistan Super League is sure to continue delivering high-octane T20 action and star-studded lineups.

Islamabad United

Captain - Shadab Khan

IU is the most successful franchise in PSL history with three trophies (2016, 2018 and 2024). Skipper Shadab Khan is among the top captains in the league and is also a highly-rated fielder who leads by example.

Islamabad United's Shadab Khan//Getty Images

Islamabad United's Shadab Khan//Getty Images

Lahore Qalandars

Captain - Shaheen Shah Afridi

With two titles to their name, LQ would be aiming to emulate their success in 2022 and 2023. Superstar pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the attack and is expected to guide his team with the ball in hand.

Multan Sultans

Captain - Mohammad Rizwan

While MS has only won the PSL trophy once, they have finished as runners-up three times, including a loss to 2024 champions Islamabad last year. Mohammad Rizwan is a determined leader, keeping the wickets and also contributing vital runs.

Peshawar Zalmi

Captain - Babar Azam

Boasting a similar PSL record to Multan, PZ are one-time champs and three-time runners-up, although recent seasons have not gone their way. Skipper and veteran top-order batsman Babar Azam was also Player of the Tournament in 2020.

Quetta Gladiators

Captain - Saud Shakeel

QG have claimed the trophy once and ended as runners-up twice but have not reached those heights since their win in 2019. The middle order is bolstered by captain Saud Shakeel, who took up the reins from South African star Rilee Rossouw.

Karachi Kings

Captain - David Warner

With a single trophy, the Karachi-based side have the least prestige among the PSL franchises but have assembled an all-star team in 2025, including David Warner at the helm and the likes of Kane Williamson joining later in the season.

Pakistan Super League Format and Schedule Overview

The 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League follows a double round-robin format, with a total of 10 matches for each franchise.

This is followed by the playoff stage, with two Eliminator (qualifier) games determining which teams will compete in the final.

Notably, the 2025 tournament has seen a change in allocation of venues for matches based on fan attendance in previous seasons.

A majority of matches will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore - 13, including the final while the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 games.

Multan Cricket Stadium and the National Stadium (Karachi) are set as venues for five PSL games apiece during the season.

Quetta Gladiators' Saud Shakeel//Getty Images

Quetta Gladiators' Saud Shakeel//Getty Images

Gaddafi Stadium: Lahore

• Set to host 13 matches including the PSL 2025 final
• Home ground for Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Rawalpindi

• Set to host 11 matches and was the venue for the opening ceremony
• Home ground for Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi

Multan Cricket Stadium: Multan

• Set to host 5 matches
• Home ground for Multan Sultans

National Stadium: Karachi

• Set to host 5 matches
• Home venue for Karachi Kings

In addition, an exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators took place on April 12, serving as PZ’s first PSL fixture.

There are no indications that games could be hosted in the United Arab Emirates or Saudi Arabia, as was the case in earlier seasons.

PSL 2025 Latest News and Highlights

Among the major news heading into the tournament was the signing of Kane Williamson by Karachi Kings, although the New Zealander has not featured yet due to red tape. However, he could provide a major boost in the latter part of the season.

KK also made waves with the signing of Australian veteran David Warner, who has also taken over as the captain. A strong balance of international headliners and Pakistani superstars has put Karachi in a good position for the playoffs.

In less-positive news for Karachi Kings, Bangladesh star wicketkeeper Litton Das was ruled out of the 2025 Pakistan Super League after injuring his hand during training. He was replaced by Australian batsman-keeper Ben McDermott.

Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators would be backing South African star Rilee Rossouw to ascend the PSL scoring chart and help them clinch a place in the next round. He remains fifth on the all-time list but would be aiming to regain his form in 2025.

Among the other major developments in this season’s league has been the destructive form of Islamabad United, who are the only unbeaten team at the halfway mark. The defending champions also look set for the playoffs.

IU’s Sahibzada Farhan is currently the top scorer in 2025 with 236 runs, with Mohammad Rizwan closing in. On the bowling side, Islamabad’s West Indies star Jason Holder has the most wickets (12) with Karachi’s Hasan Ali two behind.

Islamabad United's Jason Holder//Getty Images

Islamabad United's Jason Holder//Getty Images

Final Thoughts on the 2025 Pakistan Super League

This year’s edition is shaping up to be one of the greatest ever seen, with a blend of global stars, household names and intense rivalries playing out on the pitch.

In the PSL’s 10th anniversary, could Islamabad United extend their record to a fourth trophy or could relative newcomers Multan Sultans go all the way again?

The remaining games in the schedule are set to be crucial as franchises battle for the playoff positions and aim to stamp their domestic cricket dominance.

Which team are you backing in this year’s edition? Follow SportsBoom for the latest updates, news and interviews from the 2025 Pakistan Super League.

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