The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 is set to resume today, with Peshawar Zalmi taking on Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium after a brief suspension caused by cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India. The league was initially postponed following escalating conflict on May 7, with franchises releasing their players as overseas contingents left the country due to security concerns. Although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now issued a revised schedule, not all international players have returned, prompting teams to sign replacements.
Lahore Qalandars have made significant changes to their squad, signing former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan and Sri Lankan batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Shakib replaces New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is sidelined with a hand injury, while Rajapaksa comes in for England pacer Tom Curran, out due to an ankle injury. Qalandars’ director Sameen Rana praised Rajapaksa’s fearless batting and lamented Curran’s absence, emphasizing the priority on his long-term fitness. The franchise also added Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza recently.
Karachi Kings have bolstered their lineup by securing Scotland opener George Munsey. The Kings will face Peshawar Zalmi in the opening match of the resumed PSL.
Islamabad United confirmed the availability of five key overseas players for the remainder of the tournament: English opener Alex Hales, South African batter Rassie van der Dussen, Australian all-rounder Ben Dwarshuis, New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham, and English pacer Tymal Mills. Islamabad United highlighted the value these experienced international stars bring as the tournament enters its crucial phase.
Quetta Gladiators, currently leading the points table, have strengthened their roster by retaining New Zealand’s Finn Allen and South African veteran Rilee Rossouw, alongside adding Sri Lankan batsmen Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando, and Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib.
The tournament’s final is scheduled for May 25 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Before that, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host a double-header on May 18, with Multan Sultans facing Quetta Gladiators in the afternoon and Peshawar Zalmi playing Lahore Qalandars in the evening. The final group stage match between Islamabad United and Karachi Kings is set for May 19. The playoffs will move to Lahore with the first Qualifier on May 21, followed by Eliminator 1 and Qualifier 2 on May 22 and 23, respectively.
Former Australian star and Karachi Kings captain David Warner has confirmed his return for the remaining matches and expressed confidence in the smooth continuation of the league. Fellow Australian Ben McDermott is also expected to rejoin the tournament.
With international stars returning and strategic signings made, the PSL 10 is poised to deliver exciting cricket as it heads into its decisive stages.
