The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 is all set to bring thrilling cricket action as the league gears up for its tenth edition. With six competitive teams – Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans – clashing in 34 matches across Pakistan, the excitement is at an all-time high.
Reigning champions Islamabad United, under the leadership of Shadab Khan, are entering PSL 2025 with an eye on making history. Having already won the title three times, a fourth triumph would make them the most successful franchise in PSL history. Here's an in-depth look at their squad, strengths, weaknesses, and what the road ahead looks like.
Islamabad United Squad for PSL 2025
Captain: Shadab Khan
Players: Matthew Short, Naseem Shah, Azam Khan, Imad Wasim, Jason Holder, Haider Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Ben Dwarshuis, Salman Irshad, Colin Munro, Andries Gous, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Nawaz, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Rassie van der Dussen, Muhammad Shahzad, Sahibzada Farhan
Strengths
Power-Loaded Batting Lineup
Islamabad United boast one of the most aggressive batting orders in PSL 2025. Colin Munro, Sahibzada Farhan, and Matthew Short form a powerful top three. The middle-order, featuring Agha Salman, Azam Khan, and skipper Shadab Khan, adds depth and firepower.
Key Batters' PSL 2025 Stats So Far:
Farhan: 266 runs | Avg: 38 | SR: 133.66
Munro: 326 runs | Avg: 32.60 | SR: 138.72
Salman Agha: 310 runs | Avg: 31 | SR: 140.27
Azam Khan: 226 runs | Avg: 25.11 | SR: 171.21
Shadab Khan: 305 runs | Avg: 30.5 | SR: 142.52
Even lower down, Jason Holder, Mohammad Nawaz, and Imad Wasim are capable of game-changing cameos, making United's lineup arguably the strongest on paper.
All-Round Depth
Islamabad United’s multi-dimensional strength lies in their pool of all-rounders. Imad Wasim, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Matthew Short, Jason Holder, and Mohammad Nawaz are all dual-role players, offering their captain plenty of tactical options. This allows them to adapt seamlessly to different match scenarios.
Diverse Pace Attack
From left-arm swing to express pace, Islamabad United have covered their bases in the fast-bowling department. Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah, and Riley Meredith bring a variety of pace options. Meanwhile, bench strength from Salman Irshad, Rumman Raees, Hunain Shah, and Jason Holder provides depth for rotation and injury cover.
Weaknesses
Lack of a Wicket-Taking Spinner
Spin bowling remains Islamabad's Achilles’ heel. While they have capable spinners in Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz, both lack penetration in the middle overs. Imad’s economy is solid, but his strike rate of 19 doesn't help much in building pressure. Nawaz and Agha Salman also didn’t impress last season, managing just 4 wickets combined.
Form Concerns for Key Players
Shadab Khan (2025 T20 Form): 58 runs @ Avg 14.5 | SR: 131.8 | 1 wicket @ Avg: 143 | Economy: 11
Colin Munro (since 2024): 628 runs | Avg: 21.65 | SR: 117.4
Imad Wasim (since 2024): 465 runs | Avg: 21.13 | SR: 114.81 | 47 wickets @ Avg: 24.53
Skipper Shadab Khan’s lean patch with both bat and ball is a worrying sign. Additionally, veterans Munro and Imad are no longer in their prime and have struggled for consistency.
Opportunity: Make PSL History
Islamabad United have won the PSL title thrice – the most by any team. Another title in 2025 would make them the first team to win four championships, etching their name in the league’s folklore. With a well-balanced squad, the opportunity is ripe.
Threats
Form slumps of key players like Shadab, age concerns for Munro and Imad, and an unthreatening spin attack could all derail Islamabad’s campaign. Over-reliance on the pacers for wickets may also backfire on turning tracks.
Probable Playing XI for PSL 2025
Colin Munro
Sahibzada Farhan
Matthew Short
Agha Salman
Shadab Khan (C)
Azam Khan
Imad Wasim
Ben Dwarshuis
Naseem Shah
Hunain Shah
Riley Meredith
Team Ratings (Out of 10)
| Area | Rating |
|---|---|
| Top Order | 8.5 |
| Middle Order | 9 |
| Pace Bowling | 8 |
| Spin Bowling | 7.5 |
| Overall | 8.25 |
Expected Finish
With their firepower and versatility, Islamabad United are strong contenders to reach the PSL 2025 final. Anything less would be seen as an underachievement for this well-balanced unit.
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