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16 April 2025

Islamabad United Vs Multan Sultans Match Delayed By Hailstorm

Heavy hailstorm disrupts highly anticipated PSL clash as teams await inspection

Rawalpindi, April 16, 2025 – The eagerly awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 showdown between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans has been delayed due to a wet outfield following a heavy hailstorm in Rawalpindi earlier today. Match officials have postponed the toss with the next inspection scheduled for 7:40 pm, keeping players and fans in suspense.

The match, listed as the 7th fixture of the season, was set to be a thrilling encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a venue known for high-scoring games and a batting-friendly surface. However, today’s unexpected weather has left ground staff working against the clock to prepare the field.

Reports from local residents and traveling fans describe a hailstorm with golf ball-sized hailstones that reportedly caused damage to vehicles and infrastructure. The rain stopped approximately two hours before the original toss time, and while sunlight briefly returned, strong winds continue to sweep through the venue, making the outfield unplayable.

As of 7:15 pm, the toss had not taken place due to wet patches in the outfield. Umpires are expected to reassess conditions at 7:40 pm IST, after which a revised start time may be announced. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned to official PSL channels and local broadcasters for updates.

Islamabad United are currently top of the table with a perfect record of two wins from two games. Their most recent performance saw them demolish Peshawar Zalmi by 102 runs, thanks to a blistering century from Sahibzada Farhan. They have displayed excellent all-around form, with their bowling unit led by Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim delivering precise spells, while the top order continues to post match-winning totals. In the past five games, United have maintained a dominant record with five consecutive wins.

On the other hand, Multan Sultans are searching for answers after losing their opening match to Karachi Kings. Despite a valiant century from captain Mohammad Rizwan, they failed to defend their total in a four-wicket loss. The team’s recent form reflects inconsistency, having lost four of their last five matches. Still, they remain a quality side with match-winners like Rizwan and Ihsanullah, and are hungry for redemption after losing to Islamabad in last year’s final.

The storyline of this fixture is enriched by the rematch of the PSL 2024 final, where Islamabad United edged past Multan Sultans by two wickets in a tense finish. Imad Wasim’s all-round display in that match earned him Player of the Match honors, while Shadab Khan walked away with the Player of the Tournament award. The memory of that loss still lingers for the Sultans, who are looking to avenge that heartbreak and get their campaign back on track in PSL 2025.

Supporters have taken to social media to share live updates from outside and inside the Rawalpindi Stadium. Mo Ali from Leeds, UK, confirmed hailstorm footage circulating online, while Wasay Ullah reported that the sun briefly emerged before sunset. Gorsi, near the stadium, mentioned clear skies and strong breeze. The atmosphere remains hopeful, with the crowd eager to see cricket resume despite the disruption.

As the weather continues to play a significant role in this encounter, the excitement among fans remains palpable. The Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans match in PSL 2025 is shaping up to be more than just a rematch of last season’s final. It is a battle of momentum versus desperation, a clash between the current table toppers and a team seeking revival. For now, nature has intervened, but should conditions permit play to resume, cricket fans could be in for a high-stakes thriller in Rawalpindi under the lights.