Defending champions Rangpur Riders have strengthened their squad by signing three Pakistani players—Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay—for the upcoming 2025 Guyana Global Super League (GSL). The tournament will be held from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, marking the trio’s debut in the competition.
Read More : KKR Triumphs IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders Victory
Experienced Additions
- Iftikhar Ahmed: The seasoned all-rounder brings expertise from leagues like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Lanka Premier League (LPL).
- Akif Javed: The left-arm pacer has prior experience in the LPL.
- Khawaja Nafay: The middle-order batter has featured in two BPL seasons.
Rangpur’s Title Defense
The Riders aim to replicate their 2024 GSL triumph, where they overcame a slow start—losing their first three matches—before storming back with three consecutive wins to clinch the title. The team has retained key players, including:
- Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan
- Top-order batter Soumya Sarkar (leading run-scorer in the 2024 GSL)
- Pace spearhead Kamrul Islam Rabbi
The squad also features overseas stars like Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran.
PCB Grants NOCs for Overseas Leagues
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for franchise leagues. While Nafay has already received clearance for the GSL, approvals for Iftikhar and Akif are pending.
Other Pakistani Players in GSL 2025
- Saud Shakeel (Guyana Amazon Warriors)
- Mohammad Nawaz & Sahibzada Farhan (Hobart Hurricanes)
Currently, Nawaz and Nafay have official NOCs, while Saud and Farhan await confirmation.
Full Squads
Rangpur Riders
Nurul Hasan (c), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim, Mahidul Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Khawaja Nafay, Harmeet Singh.
Guyana Amazon Warriors
Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.
Hobart Hurricanes
Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Nabi, Odean Smith.
The 2025 GSL promises thrilling action as teams battle for supremacy in Guyana’s premier T20 tournament.
