The clash between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars is more than just a cricket match. It’s a battle between Pakistan’s two biggest cities, each full of pride and passion. Known as the “El Clásico of PSL,” this rivalry brings amazing energy every time they meet. Fans from both sides cheer loudly and expect a tough fight. As the 2025 PSL season goes on, every game between Karachi and Lahore is a must-watch. This preview looks at their fierce history of Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars, key stats, and what to expect in the upcoming matches.
Head-to-Head Record (Updated 2025)
The rivalry between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings is one of the most intense in the Pakistan Super League, often dubbed the “El Clásico of PSL”.
- Total matches played: 22
- Wins by Karachi Kings: 14
- Wins by Lahore Qalandars: 8
- Tied/No Result: 1 (one tied match in 2018 won by LQ in Super Over)
Biggest Wins (By Runs):
Karachi Kings: 86 runs (vs Lahore Qalandars in 2023)
Lahore Qalandars: 65 runs (vs Karachi Kings in PSL 10, April 15, 2025)
Biggest Wins (By Wickets):
Karachi Kings: 10 wickets (vs Lahore Qalandars in 2020)
Lahore Qalandars: 8 wickets (vs Karachi Kings in 2020), six wickets (multiple times, including May 22, 2025)
Top Performers (Overall in KK vs LQ matches)
· Most Runs: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars) – 507 runs
· Most Wickets: Haris Rauf (Lahore Qalandars) – 15 wickets
· Highest Score: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars) – 106
· Best Bowling: Ravi Bopara (Karachi Kings) – 6/16
| Year | Winner | Margin | Top Performer (Batting/Bowling) | Venue |
| 2016 | Karachi Kings | 7 wickets | Lendl Simmons (62 Runs) / Muhammad Amir (3 Wickets) | Dubai |
| 2016 | Karachi Kings | 27 runs | Ravi Bopara (71 Runs & 6 Wickets) | Sharjah |
| 2017 | Lahore Qalandars | 7 runs | Kumara Sangakkara (65 Runs) / Muhammad Amir (2 Wickets) | Sharjah |
| 2017 | Karachi Kings | 5 wickets | Babar Azam (49 Runs) / Shoaib Malik (2 Wickets) | Dubai |
| 2018 | Karachi Kings | 27 runs | Ravi Bopara (50 Runs) / Shahid Afridi (3 Wickets) | Sharjah |
| 2018 | Lahore Qalandars | Match Tied (LQ won Super Over) | Babar Azam (61 Runs) / Suhail Khan 3 (Wickets) | Dubai |
| 2019 | Lahore Qalandars | 22 runs | Sohail Akhter (39 Runs) / Haris Rauf (4 Wickets) | Dubai |
| 2019 | Karachi Kings | 5 wickets | Liam Livingstone (38 Runs) / Iftikhar Ahmed (2 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2020 | Lahore Qalandars | 8 wickets | Ben Dunk (99) / Maaz Khan (2 Wickets) | Rawalpindi |
| 2020 | Karachi Kings | 10 wickets | Sharjeel Khan (74) / Arshad Iqbal (2 Wickets) | Lahore |
| 2020 (Final) | Karachi Kings | 5 wickets | Babar Azam (63) / Waqas Maqsood (2 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2021 | Lahore Qalandars | 6 wickets | Fakhar Zaman (83) / Shaheen Afridi (3 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2021 | Karachi Kings | 7 runs | Babar Azam (54) / Noor Ahmed (2) | Abu Dhabi |
| 2022 | Lahore Qalandars | 6 wickets | Fakhar Zaman (106) / Haris Rauf (3 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2022 | Karachi Kings | 22 runs | Babar Azam (39) / Zaman Khan (4 Wickets) | Lahore |
| 2023 | Karachi Kings | 67 runs | James Vince (46) / Akif Javed (4 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2023 | Karachi Kings | 86 runs | Muhammad Akhlaq (51) / Akif Javed ( 2 Wickets) | Lahore |
| 2024 | Karachi Kings | 2 wickets | Sahibzada Farhan (72) / Ahsan Hafeez (2 Wickets) | Lahore |
| 2024 | Karachi Kings | 3 wickets | Abdullah Shafique (55) / Tayyab Abbas (2 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2025 | Lahore Qalandars | 65 runs | Fakhar Zaman (76) / Hassan Ali (4 Wickets) | Karachi |
| 2025 | Karachi Kings | 4 wickets (DLS method) | Muhammad Naeem (65) / Abbas Afridi (4 Wickets) | Lahore |
| 2025 (Eliminator 1) | Lahore Qalandars | 6 wickets | David Warner (75) / Haris Rauf (3 Wickets) | Lahore |
Rivalry Breakdown: Why It’s PSL’s Biggest Grudge Match
The Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars rivalry is the most intense in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). It’s not just about cricket. It is about two of Pakistan’s biggest cities, each with its own culture, pride, and history. Karachi is the country’s business hub, while Lahore is known for its rich traditions and arts. This cultural tension spills onto the cricket field, making every match between these teams a battle for city bragging rights. The rivalry is not confined to PSL only, as Pakistan Cricket’s history is filled with the rivalry between Karachi and Lahore regions since the start of cricket in Pakistan.
Historic Turning Points
Over the years, both teams have had their moments of glory and heartbreak. One of the earliest turning points was in 2016, when Mohammad Amir took a hat-trick to help Karachi Kings beat Lahore Qalandars by seven wickets. This was the first hat-trick in PSL history and set the tone for the rivalry. In 2017, Lahore Qalandars edged out Karachi Kings by just seven runs in a nail-biting finish, showing that no lead is ever safe in these matches.
Playoff encounters have added more fuel to the fire. For example, when one team knocks the other out of the playoffs, it’s a big deal. In 2025, Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings by six wickets in the Eliminator, with Abdullah Shafique’s 65 runs and Haris Rauf’s three wickets sealing the deal. These high-stakes matches are remembered for years. In recent years, both teams delivered nail-biters.
Emotional Fan Base Narratives
Fans from both cities are deeply passionate. Karachi supporters see their team as the symbol of hustle and resilience, while Lahore fans bring unmatched energy and colour to the stadiums. Social media lights up with memes, banter, and heated debates every time these teams face off. The rivalry is not just on the field—it’s in the stands, on Twitter, and in living rooms across Pakistan.
Lahore has the fans’ emotions because of their bad luck in the early years. Their owner, Fawad Rana, also had a great connection with PSL fans. Lahore’s player development program also attracts people to support them because they have given a few top players like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan to Pakistan cricket. On the other side, Karachi is the sole representation of the Sindh people. Karachi is the most populous city of Pakistan. So, Karachi has the richly deserved support with it.
Fan Reactions and Viral Moments
Some moments have gone viral and become part of PSL folklore. Amir’s hat-trick in 2016 had Karachi fans celebrating wildly, while Lahore fans were left stunned. In 2020, Ben Dunk’s explosive 99* for Lahore silenced the Karachi crowd and became a trending topic online. The 2018 Super Over, where Lahore Qalandars edged out Karachi Kings, had fans on both sides biting their nails and sharing their reactions in real time.
Top Performers in KK vs LQ Matches
The rivalry between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has produced some stellar individual performances over the years. Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf stand out as key figures for the Lahore Qalandars in these highly anticipated clashes.
Batting Records
| Player | Team | Runs | Highest Innings |
| Fakhar Zaman | Lahore Qalandars | 507 | 106 |
| Babar Azam | Karachi Kings | 467 | 69 |
| Sohail Akhter | Lahore Qalandars | 263 | 68 |
Bowling Records
| Player | Team | Wickets | Best Bowling |
| Haris Rauf | Lahore Qalandars | 15 | 4/23 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Lahore Qalandars | 12 | 3/27 |
| Mohammad Amir | Karachi Kings | 12 | 3/27 |
Most Memorable Matches – Top 3 Thrillers
Most Memorable Matches – Top 3 Thrillers
1. The 2018 Super Over Showdown
Venue: Dubai
Result: Lahore Qalandars won (Match tied, LQ won Super Over)
This match is one of the most exciting in PSL history. Both teams fought hard, and the match ended in a tie. Karachi Kings scored well, with Babar Azam making 61 runs. Sohail Khan took three wickets. But Lahore Qalandars matched the score. The game went to a Super Over. In the Super Over, Lahore kept their cool and won, sending their fans into a frenzy.
Muhammad Amir bowled the super over for Karachi Kings, and Lahore Qalandars scored 11/2. Sunil Narine is picked to bowl the super over by Lahore Qalandars, who only gave eight runs and won the match for his team.
Scorecard:
Karachi Kings: 163/5 (Babar Azam 61)
Lahore Qalandars: 163/8 (Match tied)
Super Over: Lahore Qalandars won
2. Babar Azam vs Shaheen Afridi – 2021 Classics
Venue: Karachi
Result: Lahore Qalandars won by six wickets
This match was all about Pakistan’s top batter, Babar Azam, facing off against fiery fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. In the 1st game, Babar played a stylish knock, scoring 54 runs for Karachi Kings. In the 2nd game, Shaheen clean bowled Babar Azam in one game. The rivalry has been great as both modern greats shared some happy as well as intense moments on the field.
Scorecard:
Match 1: Karachi Kings: 186/9 & Lahore Qalandars 189/4 (Babar Azam 5, Shaheen Afridi 3/27)
Match 2: Lahore Qalandars: 176/5 & Lahore Qalandars 169/7 (Babar Azam 54, Shaheen Afridi 1/41)
3. Final Over Drama – 2024 Nail-Biter
Venue: Lahore
Result: Karachi Kings won by two wickets
This was a real thriller. Lahore Qalandars posted a good total, helped by Sahibzada Farhan’s 72 runs. Karachi Kings chased the score, but wickets kept falling. The match went down to the last over. Pollard scored 58 runs on just 33 balls for the Kings. Karachi needed just a few runs with only two wickets left. They held their nerves and won in a dramatic finish, leaving fans breathless.
Scorecard:
Lahore Qalandars: 175/6 (Sahibzada Farhan 72)
Karachi Kings: 178/8 (Won by two wickets) (Kieron Pollard 58)
2025 Match Preview: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars
Pitch Overview
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for exciting cricket. Both batters and bowlers have a chance to do well here. At the start of the season, the pitch is fast and helps the bowlers. As more matches are played, it slows down. This makes batting harder in the second half of the match. Fast bowlers can get help early, but spinners will be more useful as the game goes on. Batters need to pay attention to the pitch, especially in the power play. Reading the conditions well is important. Earlier this season, Karachi Kings chased 168 runs in just 15 overs at this ground. This shows how quickly the game can change if a team understands the pitch.
Toss Dynamics
Most teams at the Gaddafi Stadium like to chase. In recent matches between Karachi and Lahore, the team batting second won three out of four times. Captains usually choose to bowl first. They hope to use the fresh pitch and any help for bowlers early on. Later, dew can make the ball harder to grip, so defending a score can be tough.
Weather Conditions
It will be very hot in Lahore on match day. Temperatures could reach 45°C in the afternoon. By the time the match starts, it should cool down a little, dropping below 40°C. There is no rain expected, so the game should go on without any breaks.
Head-to-Head Details
Karachi Kings have a good record against Lahore Qalandars. They have won four of the last five games. This year, both teams have beaten each other once. The rivalry is close, and fans can expect a good match.
Win Percentage:
Lahore Qalandars = 65%
Karachi Kings = 30%
Tied/No Results = 5%
H2: Predicted Playing XIs
Probable Playing XI
Lahore Qalandars Playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Salman Mirza.
Karachi Kings Playing XI
Tim Seifert (wk), David Warner (c), James Vince, Saad Baig, Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Mir Hamza
There are a few tactical and technical changes in both teams as compared to earlier games. Pakistan vs India border tensions put the tournament on hold for a few days, and many overseas players returned to their home countries.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Key Player Battles to Watch in PSL’s El Clásico
The rivalry between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings is not just about two cities; it’s also about the individual battles that unfold on the field, often determining the outcome of these high-stakes encounters. Here are some of the most anticipated player matchups that could decide the game in any PSL clash between these two formidable sides.
Babar Azam vs Shaheen Afridi
This is arguably the most captivating individual rivalry in the PSL, pitting Pakistan’s premier batsman against its leading fast bowler. Both are captains of their respective franchises (Babar for Peshawar Zalmi now, but historically a key player for Karachi Kings, and Shaheen for Lahore Qalandars), adding another layer of intensity.
The Battle: Shaheen Afridi, with his searing pace and ability to swing the new ball, poses a significant threat to any opening batsman. Babar Azam, renowned for his elegant stroke play and consistency, thrives on building innings. Their encounters, especially in the powerplay, are a treat to watch.
The Stats: In PSL, Shaheen Afridi has bowled 77 deliveries to Babar Azam, dismissing him once. Babar has scored 99 runs against Shaheen, hitting 16 fours, but is yet to hit a six off him. Shaheen’s impressive powerplay economy rate of 6.66 (best among pacers with at least 10 wickets) highlights his control, while Babar’s staggering average of 77.42 in the powerplay (highest for a batter with 500+ runs in this phase) showcases his dominance. This matchup is a true test of skill and nerves.
Fakhar Zaman vs Hasan Ali
This is a fascinating contest between Lahore Qalandars’ explosive opener and Karachi Kings’ fiery fast bowler. Both players are known for their aggressive approach and ability to turn the game on its head.
The Battle: Fakhar Zaman, with his fearless hitting and ability to take on bowlers from the outset, can dismantle any bowling attack. Hasan Ali, a proven wicket-taker with his variations and knack for picking up crucial breakthroughs, will look to contain Fakhar and get him out early.
The Stats: Fakhar Zaman has been a prolific scorer against Karachi Kings, with 507 runs and a highest score of 106. Hasan Ali, on the other hand, has a good record against Lahore Qalandars, including a best bowling figure of 4/28 in a recent encounter where he picked up Fakhar’s wicket (Fakhar scored 76 in that innings). The battle between Fakhar’s aggressive intent and Hasan’s wicket-taking prowess is always a key factor in these matches. Fakhar scored 87 runs on 67 deliveries against Hasan and gave his wicket four times.
Fantasy Tips & Prediction
Suggested Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings): He is in great form and also took a 4-fer against Lahore. He is a safe choice for captain or vice-captain.
Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars): Known for his aggressive batting, Fakhar can change the game quickly, making him a strong captain or vice-captain pick.
Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars): As a strike bowler, he can take early wickets and earn valuable fantasy points.
Abdullah Shafique (Lahore Qalandars): He is consistent at the top of the order and can provide steady points.
Best-Value Players from Both Teams
Mir Hamza (Karachi Kings): He is a budget pick who often picks up wickets, especially with the new ball.
Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars): Raza is an all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, offering great value for his price.
Irfan Khan (Karachi Kings): A young player who has shown promise and can be a good differential pick.
Haris Rauf (Karachi Kings): Rauf is a proven match-winner with the ball, especially in pressure situations against Karachi.
Conclusion
The Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars rivalry has been exciting since 2016. Both teams have won big games. Karachi has often been strong, but Lahore fights hard. Players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf have played great cricket. There have been close matches, Super Over battles, and important wins in playoffs and finals. Every year, the rivalry grows stronger and more exciting. As the 2026 season comes, fans can expect more great cricket and thrilling moments from these two teams.