The opening clash of PSL 10 turned into a nightmare for Lahore Qalandars, who found themselves in deep trouble against Islamabad United after losing key batters in quick succession.
In a furious bowling performance, Jason Holder gave an immediate response on his PSL debut, removing Jahandad Khan and David Wiese in successive balls, and he was on a hat trick at one stage.
Earlier, Sam Billings and Daryl Mitchell had also fallen in consecutive overs, putting Lahore in a precarious position.
With seven wickets down, the Qalandars are now desperately relying on Abdullah Shafique, who is unbeaten on 44, and Zimbabwe’s all-rounder Sikandar Raza to help them reach a competitive total, possibly around the 150-run mark.
Earlier in the evening, Islamabad United started strong after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first in the opening match of the tournament at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman were the first to fall, with the latter nicking one behind for just one run, courtesy of a sharp delivery from Riley Meredith. Lahore’s top order never truly settled, and the team has been playing catch-up ever since.
Prior to the match, the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) commenced with a vibrant and starry opening ceremony that thrilled spectators with electrifying performances and a mesmerizing fireworks display. Celebrations started at 7 PM, with veteran Sufi vocalist Abida Parveen enchanting the audience with her classic performances of "Mahi Yaar Di Ghadoli" and "Jhum Charkhra Saiyan Da."
She was preceded by a high-energy performance from Ali Zafar, who set the stage ablaze with numbers such as "Laila O Laila" and "Taz Taaz Galuna." Renowned artists such as Young Stunners, Natasha Baig, Abrar-ul-Haq, and Talha Anjum sang the official anthem, contributing to the charged atmosphere. The trophy for PSL 10 was also unveiled at the event.
This year marks the first time Rawalpindi has hosted the PSL opening ceremony. Fans braved the hot weather to turn up in huge numbers. Top-notch security arrangements made the day sail smoothly and safely. The commentary panel also has big names like Sir Alastair Cook, Wasim Akram, and Mark Nicholas, lending international color to the tournament.
There are six teams participating in PSL 2025, and they are contesting in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan. The Qualifier takes place on May 13 at Rawalpindi, followed by the Eliminators on May 14 and May 16 in Lahore, with the grand final being played at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on May 18.
As Islamabad United gets its bowling firepower going early on, PSL 10 has begun with thrills, spills, and spectacular pace—setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season in Pakistan's top T20 league.
