Rangpur Riders sign key Pakistan internationals for GSL 2025

The defending champions, Rangpur Riders, have officially confirmed their squad for the upcoming 2025 Guyana Global Super League (GSL), to be held from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. A major highlight of their announcement is the inclusion of three Pakistan cricketers, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay, all set to make their GSL debuts.

Veteran all-rounder Iftikhar, known for his powerful finishing and utility with the ball, brings valuable T20 experience from leagues like the BPL and LPL. Left-arm pacer Akif Javed, another LPL product, adds firepower to the bowling department. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Khawaja Nafay enters his second overseas league after two promising BPL stints.

Rangpur target second GSL title as Pakistan players join squad

Rangpur has retained its leadership core from last season’s dramatic title run. Nurul Hasan continues as captain, with Soumya Sarkar the top scorer in GSL 2024, returning to anchor the batting lineup. Pace spearhead Kamrul Islam Rabbi, instrumental in their bowling success last year, is also part of the squad. Rangpur’s 2024 campaign was one to remember after starting with three straight losses, the Riders rallied with three consecutive wins to lift the trophy. Their blend of attacking flair, discipline, and leadership proved decisive.

The franchise, already a heavyweight in the Bangladesh Premier League with a title in 2017 and consistent playoff finishes since, now looks to extend its dominance to the GSL stage once again. The announcement coincides with a wider update from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to 13 players for overseas T20 leagues. Among those approved is Khawaja Nafay, while clearances for Iftikhar and Akif are expected shortly.

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Other Pakistan players set to appear in the GSL include Saud Shakeel (Guyana Amazon Warriors), Mohammad Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan (both signed by the Hobart Hurricanes). NOCs for Nawaz and Nafay are already confirmed, while Saud and Farhan await final approvals.

Rangpur Riders squad for GSL 2025:

Nurul Hasan Sohan, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Mohammed Saif Hassan, Abu Haider Rony, Rakibul Hasan, Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Kyle Mayers, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ibrahim Zadran, Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Harmeet Singh, Khawaja Nafay

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad for GSL 2025:

Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.

Hobart Hurricanes squad for GSL 2025:

Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammed Nawaz, Mohammed Nabi, Odean Smith.