Best Moments from PSL 2025 Season 10

Introduction

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, held in 2025, marked a decade of thrilling cricket, passionate fan support, and unforgettable moments. With top international stars, emerging local talents, and nail-biting matches, PSL 10 delivered one of the most exciting tournaments in the league's history. From power-packed performances to dramatic finishes, every game had fans on the edge of their seats.

The tournament not only celebrated cricketing excellence but also showcased how far PSL has come as a global T20 brand. Iconic stadiums like Rawalpindi and Lahore hosted matches that lit up social media and sports headlines. PSL 10 wasn't just a milestone—it was a statement of Pakistan’s growing cricketing strength on the world stage.

From 11 April to 25 May, the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10) captivated fans worldwide with unforgettable moments across 34 intense matches. Featuring a spectacular opening in Rawalpindi, breakthrough performances in the league, an underdog playoff run by Lahore, and a record-breaking final chase, PSL 10 had every flavor of cricketing excitement.

1. A Grand Opening in Rawalpindi (11 April)

For the first time, the PSL kicked off outside Lahore, lighting up the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 April. The ceremony featured:

• Live performances by Ali Zafar, Shae Gill, Young Stunners, Abrar-ul-Haq, and Abida Parveen
• A drone-lit sky, laser shows, fireworks, and the debut of anthem “X Dekho”
• A parade of six captains and a decade-long tribute to PSL’s journey

The visual and musical grandeur set a flamboyant, celebratory tone for the rest of the tournament. It wasn’t just an opening—it was a festival of Pakistani culture, music, and cricketing pride. Fans from across the country filled the stands and flooded social media, instantly declaring it one of the most memorable PSL ceremonies ever.

2. Essential Tournament Stats & Format Highlights

The double round-robin format across six teams brought us so much more than just the final. PSL 10 was a stage for rising talents:

• Hassan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators) – crowned Player of the Series with 399 runs, averaging 57.00, including a century and three fifties.
• Sahibzada Farhan (Islamabad United) – finished top in total runs with 449 runs, the strike rate of 152.20.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – secured the season’s most wickets (19), making him the top bowler.
• Mohammad Naeem (Lahore) – amassed 316 runs and played crucial innings in the playoffs.

These breakout performances shaped the narrative leading to the knockout rounds, showcasing the depth of talent in Pakistan's T20 circuit.

3. Quetta’s Group-Stage Supremacy

Finishing with the best record (15 points), Quetta Gladiators were the team to watch early on. Their campaign was powered by:

• Hassan Nawaz, including a powerful 76 off 43 in the final
• A strong middle order featuring Avishka Fernando (29) and Dinesh Chandimal (22)
• Fearsome death-over hitting, notably Faheem Ashraf’s 28 off 8 balls

Their dominance through the league stage set high expectations for a potential title.

4. The Knockout Charge: Lahore’s Grit

Lahore Qalandars, after finishing fourth in the league, stunned fans by winning back-to-back knockout matches:

1. Eliminator 1: Defeated Karachi Kings by six wickets.
2. Eliminator 2: Overpowered Islamabad United with a commanding 95-run win.

The stage was set for a rematch with Quetta in what would become the most dramatic final yet. Their ability to bounce back under pressure showed the heart of a team built for big moments.

5. The Final: Edge-of-Your-Seat Drama

Quetta’s Challenge

On 25 May at Gaddafi Stadium, Quetta batted first and amassed 201/9 in a thrilling total. Key contributions:

• Hassan Nawaz – 76 off 43, power-hitting at its finest
• Faheem Ashraf – Lightning-fast 28 off 8, including three sixes and two fours

Lahore’s bowlers, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi’s 3/24, managed to contain the Gladiators just below a 200-run mark.

6. Historic Chase

In response, Lahore posted 204/4 within 19.5 overs — a six-wicket win with one ball to spare.

• Mohammad Naeem (46 off 27) and Abdullah Shafique (41 off 28) laid the groundwork
• Kusal Perera anchored the chase with a blistering 62 off 31* (5 fours, 4 sixes), earning Player of the Match

This wasn’t just a PSL record—it set the benchmark for any T20 final chase

7. Sikandar Raza’s Heroic, Jet-Set Journey

Days earlier, on 24 May, Sikandar Raza was streaming on live cricket in England, scoring a gritty 60 off 68 in a Test. Then:

• Rushed via plane and landed in Lahore 10 minutes before the toss
• Bowled earlier and took the key wicket of Rilee Rossouw
• Joined Perera in an unstoppable final 20-ball, 59-run stand
• Smacked a six and a four to seal the chase, with one ball to spare
• Season stats: 254 runs at a 169.33 strike rate and 10 wickets at an economy of 7.75

Raza’s words captured his era‑defining tale:

“Bowled 25 overs the day before yesterday, batted … had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai … this is the life of a professional cricketer.”

8. PSL Records and Accolades Shattered

• Highest-ever chase in any T20 final — Lahore’s 202-run chase beats IPL’s 200 in 2014
• First time a team lost a T20 final after posting 200+ runs — Quetta became the unfortunate first
• Shaheen Afridi became the first captain to win three PSL titles and was also season’s top wicket-taker (19 wickets)
• Lahore Qalandars now equal Islamabad United with three titles in PSL history

9. Season at a Glance – Stats Recap

• Player of the Series: Hassan Nawaz – 399 runs
• Run King: Sahibzada Farhan – 449 runs @ 152 SR
• Top Wicket-Taker: Shaheen Afridi – 19 wickets
• Final's Mojo: Perera (62* off 31) & Raza (22* off 7) – unstoppable in the final 20 balls

10. Behind the Scenes: Strategy & Stories

• Shaheen’s Leadership

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi not only took 19 wickets across PSL 10 (top over the season), but his tactical acumen and first-ball pressure in the final were decisive.

• Perera’s Role

Kusal Perera was the anchor of the chase, keeping the run rate up and pacing the innings perfectly, showcasing experience and composure under pressure.

• Sikandar Raza’s commitment

Played a Test in England, landed ten minutes before the PSL toss, took a wicket, and hit the winning runs—an inspiring tale of endurance.

• Lahore Qalandars’ development project

Season 10 showcased their strength in nurturing local talent like Mohammad Naeem, reflecting sustained success trends

11. The Legacy of PSL 10

1. Drama from First Ball to Last
   From the spectacular opening ceremony to the insane final over, PSL 10 was a roller-coaster.
   Every match had twists and tension, proving why the league has become a must-watch cricket.
2. Stars Rising
   Performances by Hassan Nawaz, Farhan, Naeem, and Perera indicated the bright future of Pakistani cricket.
   These young guns stepped up on the biggest stage, showing fearlessness and skill under pressure.
3. Champion Mindset
   Lahore’s determination, led by Afridi’s bowling and tactical nous, showcased a true champion’s resolve.
   Their fightback in must-win games and flawless execution in the final proved their hunger for glory.
4. Global Quality
   Raza’s silver-screen storyline reminded everyone that PSL now resonates on the global stage.
   International players no longer just visit—they deliver iconic moments that live on across continents.
5. Records & Rivalries
   The highest chase in a final, Lahore’s third title, and the enduring Qalandars–Gladiators rivalry—these moments became PSL lore.
   Such epic battles are building long-term narratives that fans follow season after season.

12. Looking Ahead – After PSL 10

• Lahore Qalandars will look to build a legacy — three titles in four years is no small feat. Their strong local pipeline and proven leadership make them the team to beat going forward. With young stars stepping up, they now aim to establish a true dynasty in PSL history.
• Quetta Gladiators maintain their core with Hawass staying focused, aiming to go one better next time. After a brilliant season, they’ve found a stable combination of youth and experience. Expect them to come back hungrier, learning from the heartbreak of the 2025 final.
• Breakout stars like Hassan Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, and Mohammad Naeem are sure to earn future national call-ups. Their consistency, composure, and fearless hitting impressed selectors and fans alike. They’ve become symbols of PSL’s success in nurturing Pakistan’s next-generation talent.

·       With discussions underway about expanding to eight teams in 2026, PSL is poised for even stronger competition and audience engagement. More franchises could bring new cities, fresh rivalries, and more talent into the spotlight. The league's next chapter may take it from strong to unstoppable on the global T20 map.

Final Takeaway

PSL Season 10 was a T20 treasure trove: dazzling performances, record-breaking milestones, emotional arrivals, and dramatic finishers. From the dazzling opening ceremony to Raza’s jet-set cameo and Lahore’s nerve-wracking chase, it had something for every cricket fan. Easily one of the most thrilling PSL editions yet. The tournament proved that PSL is no longer just Pakistan’s pride—it’s a global cricketing event. It celebrated the past ten years while laying the groundwork for an even bigger future. New stars were born, old rivalries intensified, and fans were left wanting more. Season 10 didn’t just entertain—it inspired, united, and elevated the spirit of the game.