Best Islamabad United Playing XI for PSL 2025: Shadab Khan and Co. Aim to Add 4th Trophy to Their Cabinet
Islamabad United are the most successful franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with three championships to their credit. They have won the silverware in the 2016, 2018, and 2024 editions, and will be looking to add another in the PSL 2025. The Islamabad United Playing XI for PSL 2025 is strong enough for them to harbour hopes of another title.
The 2024 triumph was Islamabad United’s toughest title yet, as they had to go through three teams in the playoffs. After coming third in the league stage, they defeated Quetta Gladiators in Eliminator 1 and Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2. In the final, Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by two wickets in a last-ball thriller.
The Shadab Khan-led side will kick off the tournament with a clash against Lahore Qalandars on April 11. In the PSL 2025 draft, they made some interesting signings in Matthew Short, Rassie van der Dussen, and Riley Meredith.
As they gear up to defend their crown, we take a look at the best Islamabad United playing XI and key players for the 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League.
Islamabad United fixtures for PSL 2025
| Date | Match | Teams | Venue | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr-11 | Match 1 | Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars | Rawalpindi | Home |
| Apr-14 | Match 5 | Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi | Rawalpindi | Home |
| Apr-16 | Match 7 | Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans | Rawalpindi | Home |
| Apr-20 | Match 10 | Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United | Karachi | Away |
| Apr-23 | Match 13 | Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United | Multan | Away |
| Apr-30 | Match 19 | Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United | Lahore | Away |
| May-02 | Match 22 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United | Lahore | Away |
| May-03 | Match 23 | Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United | Lahore | Away |
| May-07 | Match 26 | Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators | Rawalpindi | Home |
| May-10 | Match 30 | Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings | Rawalpindi | Home |
New Additions after PSL 2025 Draft
- Matthew Short (Platinum)
- Ben Dwarshuis (Gold)
- Andries Gous (Silver)
- Riley Meredith (Supplementary)
- Rassie van der Dussen (Supplementary)
- Hunain Shah (Emerging)
- Saad Masood (Emerging)
Islamabad United squad for PSL 2025
Here is a glance at the Islamabad United players for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League.
Squad: Matthew Short, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Jason Holder, Ben Dwarshuis, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood.
Supplementary: Riley Meredith and Rassie van der Dussen.
Partial replacement: Alex Carey for van der Dussen.
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Key players
Imad Wasim
The left-arm spin all-rounder was a vital part of Islamabad United’s triumph last year. Imad Wasim has been one of the best defensive bowlers in the shorter format and has the ability to make an impact with the bat. He snared 12 scalps in the last season at an exceptional economy of 6.60. Imad was the player of the match in the final for picking 5 for 23 and scoring an unbeaten 19 off 17.
Salman Agha
Salman Agha has developed into a pretty quality player and has been in very good form in recent times. He had a good season for Islamabad United last year, with 310 runs at an average of 31 while striking at 140. Agha struck 46 off 28, 51* off 31, and 51 off 39 in three of the T20Is against New Zealand recently.
Naseem Shah
Naseem Shah was instrumental for tbs franchise last year and will spearhead their bowling attack this season as well. He is arguably the best bowler in the country, with a superb skill set and speed in his arsenal. Naseem took 15 wickets from 11 innings last season at an economy of 7.56.
Shadab Khan
Shadab Khan continues to lead Islamabad United as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. Under his leadership, the team secured their third PSL title in 2024, reinforcing their position as the most successful franchise in the league’s history. Shadab’s all-round performance has been instrumental in the team’s success, and this will be a crucial season for him as Islamabad United captain as he hopes to get a stronghold in the Pakistan T20I squad again.
Islamabad United coaching staff for PSL 2025
Islamabad United’s coaching staff for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season boasts a blend of international and local expertise. Mike Hesson from New Zealand serves as the head coach, bringing extensive experience to the team.
England’s Ashley Wright takes on the role of batting coach, while New Zealander Ian Butler is the bowling coach. The team’s manager is Pakistan’s Rehan-ul-Haq, with Hanif Malik serving as the performance coach. Analyst Ben Jones of CricViz from England provides strategic insights, and the team’s medical needs are attended to by team doctor Jason Pilgrim from Cricket West Indies.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Mike Hesson |
| Batting Coach | Ashley Wright |
| Bowling Coach | Ian Butler |
| Manager | Rehan-ul-Haq |
| Performance Coach | Hanif Malik |
| Analyst | Ben Jones |
| Team Doctor | Jason Pilgrim |
Likely Islamabad United playing XI for PSL 2025
- Matthew Short
- Colin Munro
- Salman Agha
- Shadab Khan (c)
- Azam Khan (wk)
- Imad Wasim
- Haider Ali
- Jason Holder
- Naseem Shah
- Hunain Shah
- Riley Meredith
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