PSL 2025: Hasan Ali Achieves Milestone for Karachi Kings, Aims for National Team Return
Ali Becomes PSL’s All-Time Leading Wicket-Taker
The Karachi Kings have not had a lot to cheer about in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this season, as they have struggled for consistency over the first six games. They have won three and lost three of their matches to date, which sees them installed as massive outsiders to win the tournament by most of the top online betting sites.
The Kings are hoping to return to prominence after finishing the last three seasons in the bottom two during the league stage, but their record so far this term has earned them six points, which leaves them in fourth place and trailing league leaders Islamabad United by four points.
However, despite their inconsistencies, David Warner’s side has managed to remain competitive thanks to a few individual player performances, perhaps none more so than that of their vice-captain Hasan Ali.
Karachi’s fast bowler has bagged a total of 13 scalps in his six matches and currently leads the Maroon cap standings, one wicket ahead of Islamabad quick Jason Holder, and most cricket predictions suggest he will end the competition as the top wicket-taker.
Last Friday, the Kings faced the Quetta Gladiators at the Karachi Stadium and claimed a 56-run victory, but all of the headlines following the match were directed at Ali, who picked up 3/27 in his four overs, helping his side restrict the opposition to just 119./9 in their 20 overs.
The 30-year-old’s remarkable performance in the match saw him become the PSL’s all-time highest wicket-taker!
Ali has featured for three different teams in the PSL, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United and the Karachi Kings, since his debut in 2015-16, and has taken a stunning 121 wickets in 88 matches, including a best of 4-15.
Ali Eyeing Recall to Pakistan National Team
The Pakistan national team has run into major difficulties in recent years. Questionable team selections and mismanagement have sent the team on a downward spiral, as evidenced in their recent ICC tournament performances.
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Shaheens failed to qualify for the knockout stages and suffered the same fate at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the US and Caribbean. This year, the Green Shirts hosted the ICC Champions Trophy and exited in the group stage without winning a single game.
Ali was a crucial member of the Pakistan team that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where they beat arch-rivals India in the final to claim the title. He ended the tournament as the top wicket-taker with 13, four more than any other bowler, and was named the Player of the Tournament.
The 30-year-old fast bowler is hoping that his recent uptick in performances in the PSL will afford him another shot at getting back into the famous green jersey. In a recent interview, he said:
“I’m satisfied with my performance as I’m leading the bowling charts after six games for Karachi Kings. I want to represent Pakistan again — not just to be in the team, but to contribute to wins.”
Based on his recent performances and record in the PSL this year, Ali will certainly be on the radar of the national team’s selection committee, and he will have a chance to shine again when the Kings face the Multan Sultans later today.
