Karachi, April 11, 2025:
LAST four seasons, four finals, one team is the rallying cry for Multan Sultans as they gear up for another exciting HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign, which kicks off in Rawalpindi on Friday. Multan Sultans’ campaign begins on Saturday against former champions Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, followed by two matches in Rawalpindi, two in Multan, two in Lahore before returning to the home venue for the remaining three preliminary round matches.
Since their triumphant 2021 title-winning campaign in Abu Dhabi against Peshawar Zalmi, the Sultans have come heartbreakingly close, finishing as runners-up in three consecutive finals – twice to Lahore Qalandars (2022 and 2023) and once to Islamabad United (2024).
As one of the most consistent and successful franchises in the league – boasting a win percentage of 59.09 – Multan Sultans are now focused on overcoming the final hurdle: lifting the HBL PSL 2025 trophy and ending the four-year title drought.
Multan Sultans hold a clear advantage over their Saturday’s rivals – Karachi Kings – having won six of their last seven encounters and holding a 7-5 overall record in 15 head-to-head PSL matches. There has also been one tie and two no-results.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan, widely considered the team’s lucky charm, is aware of the challenges ahead in what promises to be another fiercely contested season.
“The HBL PSL 10 brings fresh challenges and targets for all players and teams, and as Multan Sultans, we’re geared up for these tasks,” said Rizwan.
“We’ve reached four consecutive finals this decade but crossed the line only once, in 2021. That remains our ultimate goal and we’re confident and determined to achieve it through consistent and strong performances.”
Head coach Abdur Rehman, who succeeded Andy Flower in 2023, is also optimistic that this could be their year.
“We’ve analysed our past performances in detail and discussed how to avoid the mistakes that cost us those close finals,” said Abdul Rehman.
“The finishing touches we lacked before will, InshaAllah, be perfected this time to bring home the title.”
As always, balance remains the hallmark of the Sultans’ squad.
Experienced T20 campaigners David Willey and Chris Jordan form the backbone of the bowling attack, complemented by the exciting addition of rookie pacers Mohammad Hasnain and Akif Javed, who add extra pace. Teenagers Ubaid Shah and Shahid Aziz are set to showcase their emerging talent on the big stage.
The spin department features a solid mix, with West Indian Gudakesh Motie, New Zealander Michael Bracewell and Faisal Akram not only expected to contain runs but also to strike crucial wickets.
“We have a well-rounded and balanced side with several high-quality players who can win matches single-handedly,” added Rizwan.
“Bracewell had a stellar tour of Pakistan a couple of months ago and most recently captained New Zealand against us, while Shai Hope has just been appointed West Indies’ white-ball captain. Their leadership and strategic acumen will be invaluable in a high-pressure tournament like the HBL PSL,” the Pakistan wicketkeeper/batter added.
Multan Sultans also stand out for their progressive approach to coaching. They are the only PSL team with a female fast-bowling coach – former Ireland all-rounder Catherine Dalton.
Dalton is thrilled for the season to begin.
“We’ve just wrapped up a three-day camp in Multan where the local bowlers showed incredible energy,” she said.
“We focused on scenario-based training, especially on slower balls, which was a lot of fun. We worked on honing their skills and execution under pressure, along with tactical elements like what to bowl and when. The key is building confidence – that’s something I’ll be driving home constantly. The players need clarity and belief to be the best version of themselves.”
Dalton also highlighted standout performers in the pace department.
“Hasnain is a fantastic young bowler with pace and skill. Ubaid Shah is bowling very well and has some excellent variations. Shahid Aziz has been bowling with great pace and offers batting depth too, which is always a bonus. It’s shaping up to be a very exciting season, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Rizwan, Pakistan’s ODI captain, hopes this season of HBL PSL will play a crucial role in preparing the national team for upcoming international tournaments.
“The HBL PSL is vital for our players with the ACC T20 Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 coming up within the next 12 months. Like every year, our stars will aim to deliver standout performances in PSL 10 to secure spots in these global events.”
Multan Sultans have retained a solid batting core. Rizwan will continue to lead from the front, with Usman Khan providing explosive starts. The batting lineup is further strengthened by the presence of Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, and Michael Bracewell.
SQUAD: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Aamer Azmat Barki, Akif Javed, Chris Jordan and David Willey (both England), Faisal Akram, Gudakesh Motie (West Indies), Iftikhar Ahmed, Johnson Charles (West Indies), Josh Little (Ireland), Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell (New Zealand), Mohammad Hasnain, Shahid Aziz, Shai Hope (West Indies), Tayyab Tahir, Ubaid Shah, Usama Mir, Usman Khan and Yasir Khan.
Schedule of Multan Sultans matches:
12 April – vs Karachi Kings, Karachi
16 April – vs Islamabad United, Rawalpindi
19 April – vs Peshawar Zalmi, Rawalpindi
22 April – vs Lahore Qalandar, Multan
23 April – vs Islamabad United, Multan
26 April – vs Lahore Qalandars, Lahore
29 April – vs Quetta Gladiators, Lahore
1 May – vs Karachi Kings, Multan
5 May – vs Peshawar Zalmi, Multan
10 May – vs Quetta Gladiators, Multan
