History has been created in the second edition of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025. For the first time ever, the cricketing world got to witness a new title champion. The Guyana Amazon Warriors, under their veteran leader Imran Tahir, defied all odds and marched to their maiden GSL title win. The Warrior Nation was up against the defending champions, Rangpur Riders, who looked all set for a second consecutive title win. 

But Tahir and his men outplayed the Bangladesh-based franchise and ruined their party in an epic final clash, beating them comprehensively by 32 runs. Playing at the Providence, the Warriors' home ground, the crowd rallied behind Tahir & Co. and backed them all the way through to bring the trophy home. Rahmanullah Gurbaz's electrifying 66 (38) powered the Guyana Amazon Warriors to an imposing 196-4. 

The Rangpur Riders did not start their run chase on an auspicious note, losing their top three well inside the powerplay. Although Saif Hassan and Iftikhar Ahmed joined hands to forge a fighting 73-run stand, the Guyana bowlers were eventually able to overcome them and dismiss Rangpur Riders for 164. This win also marked the Warriors' first victory against the Riders in the short-lived history of GSL. 

See also: GSL 2025, Final: Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Rangpur Riders full match highlights

Imran Tahir & Co. celebrate GSL Title Win

46 YEAR OLD IMRAN TAHIR WON THE GSL T20 AND POTT AS A CAPTAIN. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/038MJKw5mj

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 19, 2025

The South African spin-bowling pro, Imran Tahir, has been a revelation for the Guyana-based CPL franchise. He previously led the Warrior Nation to their maiden CPL win in 2023. Then in 2024, his men came agonizingly close to securing two back-to-back title wins on the bounce but narrowly missed out in the final. Guyana Amazon Warriors' latest title win in the GSL certainly puts the icing on top of the cake. Tahir enjoys a glorious record as a Warriors' skipper, and his side's most recent triumph in the GSL final further demonstrates his tactical brilliance. 

Even at age 46, Tahir continues to strive hard, be it as a bowler or as a captain. He rounded up the GSL 2025 season as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 14 wickets at a stunning average of 9.28. At a time when players do not think of exploring any forms of cricket after the age of 40, Tahir ages like a fine wine and continues to push on to bring his side endless success. 

The defending champions, Rangpur Riders, have officially announced their squad for the upcoming 2025 ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), set to be held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence from 10 to 18 July. As titleholders, the Riders will return to Caribbean shores looking to replicate their dramatic title run from last year and retain their crown.

In the 2024 season, Rangpur Riders turned it around with a grand flourish—beginning with three straight losses followed by three consecutive victories to capture the title. Their gritty fightback, which was fueled by good leadership, an attacking bowling pack, and aggressive top-order hitting, endeared them to fans and entrenched themselves in GSL lore.

With one of the best records in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for consistency, the Riders arrive with a history of high-quality cricket. BPL champions in 2017 and constant playoff hopefuls ever since, Rangpur continues to show us the characteristics of will and reserve that define quality T20 franchises.

Star Power and Strategic Depth

The Riders have kept the mainstay of their 2024 championship team intact. Wicket-keeper captain Nurul Hasan comes back to captain the team, accompanied by top scorer of the tournament Soumya Sarkar and pace head Kamrul Islam Rabbi. They are supported by a combination of local heroics in Mohammed Naim Sheikh, Yasir Ali, and Abu Haider Rony, each of whom contributes crucial domestic and international experience.

See Also: GSL 2025: Hobart Hurricanes XI announce their squad for upcoming season

The global playing list includes dynamic West Indian opener Kyle Mayers, South African wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, Afghan batting prodigy Ibrahim Zadran, and experienced Pakistani all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed. They bring their numbers up in Rangpur's roster with diversity, regional Caribbean experience, and top-level pressure composure.

Their 2025 GSL playing list for the Rangpur Riders includes:
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, and Khawaja Nafay.

🚨 GSL Update

Rangpur Riders have announced their squad for GSL 2025. Nurul Hasan Sohan will lead the team. Overseas signings include :

Kyle Mayers 🏝️
Tabraiz Shamsi 🇿🇦
Ibrahim Zadran 🇦🇫
Khawaja Nafay 🇵🇰
Iftikhar Ahmad 🇵🇰
Akif Javed 🇵🇰
Harmeet Singh 🇺🇸#GSL2025 pic.twitter.com/NHTbNtqcNk

— T20 Franchise Rosters (Men) (@t20tracker) June 19, 2025