LAHORE, 25 MARCH 2025
Four successive finals, one title and three heartbreaks – Multan Sultans have been one of the most consistent teams in the Pakistan Super League. As they gear up for PSL 2025, the challenge remains the same: turning their dominance into silverware.
The Sultans lifted their maiden PSL trophy in 2021 with a commanding victory over Peshawar Zalmi in Abu Dhabi. However, they have since finished as runners-up for three consecutive seasons – falling to Lahore Qalandars in 2022 and 2023, and then to Islamabad United in 2024.
Determined to go one step further this time, head coach Abdur Rehman believes his team has learned from past mistakes and is ready to reclaim the crown.
“We have thoroughly analysed where we fell short in the past three finals and worked hard to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself,” said Rehman. “T20 cricket is unpredictable and sometimes a single over changes the outcome. We’ve been on the wrong side of those moments, but this time, we are prepared to seize them.”
The Sultans’ recent final defeats have come in agonising fashion. In 2022, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s blistering cameo swung the game in Lahore’s favor. In 2023, they fell just short in a last-over thriller. And in 2024, a final-over six from Naseem Shah sealed their fate against Islamabad.
“All those matches were tight contests. We’ve been there, but the finishing touch was missing. This year, InshaAllah, we will cross that line,” Rehman asserted.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan remains the heartbeat of the team, leading from the front with his proactive captaincy. Power-hitter Usman Khan will be key at the top of the order, supported by seasoned campaigners Shai Hope, Johnson Charles, Iftikhar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir and Michael Bracewell.
The Sultans’ pace attack is packed with firepower. Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah and Akif Javed provide youthful energy, while England’s David Willey, Chris Jordan and Ireland’s Josh Little add experience. A rising star to watch is 21-year-old fast bowler Shahid Aziz from Kurram Agency.
Spin will be another key weapon. Last season’s leading wicket-taker, Usama Mir (24 wickets), leads the attack alongside Faisal Akram, Bracewell and West Indies’ Gudakesh Motie – giving Multan a versatile bowling lineup.
Rehman is confident that the Sultans have assembled a squad capable of delivering across all venues.
“We’ve selected players keeping in mind the conditions in Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, and Lahore. Our squad is well-balanced and built for the tournament’s demands,” he said.
The Sultans’ campaign kicks off against Karachi Kings in Karachi on April 12. They then head to Rawalpindi for two crucial clashes – against defending champions Islamabad United (April 16) and Peshawar Zalmi (April 19).
Returning to their home turf in Multan, they face Lahore Qalandars (April 22) and Islamabad United (April 23), before heading to Lahore for encounters with Lahore Qalandars (April 26) and Quetta Gladiators (April 29).
The final stretch sees them play three key home games—against Karachi Kings (May 1), Peshawar Zalmi (May 5) and Quetta Gladiators (May 10).
“We want to peak at the right time. By the time we reach our home leg in Multan, we’ll have a clear idea of our strongest XI for the final push,” said Rehman.
After three straight final losses, Multan Sultans are leaving nothing to chance. With a determined squad and lessons learned from past heartbreaks, they are ready to make PSL 2025 their year.
