Perera-Raza Heroics Secure PSL Title for Lahore Qalandars; Mixed Campaign for Shakib, Breakout Season for Rishad

Lahore Qalandars clinched the 2025 PSL title in dramatic fashion, chasing down a tough equation of 57 runs in the last 20 balls with a brilliant partnership between Kusal Perera and Sikandar Raza.

While Shakib Al Hasan failed to leave a mark in this year’s tournament—taking just one wicket in three matches and scoring two ducks in as many innings—Rishad Hossain emerged as a bright spot for Bangladesh in the league. The young leg-spinner played seven matches, taking 13 wickets at an economy rate of 9.33, finishing the season as the 10th highest wicket-taker, despite limited game time.

Initially picked from the players' draft, Rishad was joined by Shakib and Mehidy Hasan Miraz as replacement signings by Lahore Qalandars. However, the Bangladeshi trio never featured in the playing XI together. While Shakib made the team in the three matches prior to the final, his performances were underwhelming—scoring zero runs in both his innings and managing just one wicket from six overs across three matches at an average of 49.00 and economy of 8.16.

Shakib debuted in the 2025 PSL against Peshawar Zalmi, conceding 18 runs in 2 overs without a wicket. In the Eliminator, he bowled just one over, picking up 1 wicket for 4 runs, but was wicketless again in his next game while conceding 27 runs. His inconsistency cost him a spot in the PSL final.

Rishad, on the other hand, played five matches in the first phase and returned after a brief absence to play two more, including the second qualifier, where he claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs, removing key players Shadab Khan, Agha Salman, and Jimmy Neesham. His performance earned him a spot in the final, where he continued to impress despite not being flashy.

Alongside his bowling success, Rishad also contributed 23 runs in 6 innings and ended the season on a high note—as a PSL champion.