Qalandars, Gladiators Face Off in High-Stakes PSL 10 Final
News Desk
Lahore: The grand finale of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 is set to unfold today at Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium, where two-time champions Lahore Qalandars will take on table-toppers Quetta Gladiators in a clash for the coveted title.
The showdown promises edge-of-the-seat action as Lahore aims for a historic third title win, while Quetta looks to reclaim PSL glory after six years.
Quetta Eyes Comeback Under Saud Shakeel’s Captaincy
Led by newly-appointed skipper Saud Shakeel, the Gladiators have enjoyed a dominant run this season, finishing at the top of the league table with 15 points from 10 matches. Shakeel, who succeeded Rilee Rossouw as captain ahead of the tournament, credited the team’s consistency and unity for their success.
“We are thrilled and honored to be playing in the PSL final. We will give our best to lift the trophy,” Saud said in a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The Gladiators come into the final with strong momentum, having won five out of six matches played at Gaddafi Stadium this season — a venue Shakeel dubbed their “lucky ground.”
Qalandars Target Treble on Home Turf
On the other side, Lahore Qalandars, led by pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, are determined to complete a treble with a third PSL title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2023.
Despite finishing fourth in the league stage with 11 points, the Qalandars surged back in the playoffs, defeating arch-rivals Karachi Kings in Eliminator 1 and handing a crushing 95-run defeat to defending champions Islamabad United in Eliminator 2.
“We are buzzing to feature in our third PSL final in four years, and our aim is to complete the treble at our home ground,” said Afridi. He praised his side’s aggressive strategy, calling it the key to their playoff resurgence.
Afridi also pointed to Lahore’s earlier win over Quetta by 79 runs during the league stage and expressed hope of repeating that success. A second match between the sides in Lahore was washed out.
Weather Threat Looms Over Final
However, weather conditions may play spoilsport. A severe dust storm followed by torrential rains hit Lahore on Saturday, damaging infrastructure and raising concerns about Sunday’s final.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more rain and high temperatures ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius for the day of the match. As of yet, the PCB has not officially announced a reserve day.
Under PSL rules, if the final is abandoned due to weather and no reserve day is scheduled, the team with the higher league standing — in this case, Quetta Gladiators — will be declared champions.
Fans now await both the outcome of the match and the weather, as anticipation builds for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to PSL 10.
