Pakistan cricket fans are excited about the domestic season because a talented group of young players—called the “Young XI”—is ready to shine. These players earned their spot after strong performances in the 2024–25 season and could become key stars in national and league cricket. (ProPakistani)
From Sialkot, Mohsin Riaz stood out with consistent batting in the Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy final and helped his team win the title with calm and steady innings. Mohammad Awais Zafar from Sargodha amassed 854 runs at an average of 53.4 in both red and white‑ball tournaments, hitting big scores even in tough fourth‑innings situations. Maaz Sadaqat, a batting all‑rounder from Peshawar, finished the season as the second top run‑scorer in the President’s Trophy and also took key wickets in important matches.
Cricket experts have also praised Ali Raza, a 17‑year‑old pacer from Peshawar Zalmi, who impressed with pace and bounce during his U19 and PSL performances. Former England bowler Dominic Cork predicted that Ali Raza could one day open Pakistan’s bowling attack at the highest level.
Other spotlight players include Maaz Sadaqat, young all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, fast bowler Sufiyan Muqeem, and versatile all‑rounder Shahid Aziz—each expected to bring fresh energy to PSL 2025 and Pakistan’s domestic competitions.
These players come at a time when the PCB and selectors focus on building a strong core for future tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup. National-selector Asad Shafiq recently emphasized that domestic cricket performance would decide selections, which gives these rising stars plenty of motivation.
Fans on social platforms also echo excitement about names like Azan Awais, who scored six centuries in just eight Quaid‑e‑Azam Trophy matches and averaged over 76, yet still waits for a full team spot despite big numbers. (Wikipedia)
Pakistan’s upcoming domestic calendar includes 21 major tournaments, encompassing over 131 first‑class, 37 List‑A, and 119 T20 matches. These competitions offer players ample opportunity to perform, and selectors aim to use them to identify the best talent for international duty.
In short, the upcoming season promises thrilling cricket as these young players look to prove themselves, win fans, and perhaps earn national call‑ups. Pakistan’s future cricket looks bright with this new generation building its case match by match.
