Pakistani presence in the 2025 Global Super League has grown even more after the Rangpur Riders announced their squad for the upcoming tournament in Guyana.
The defending champions have bolstered their squad with the signing of three Pakistani players as they look to retain their title in the Caribbean this July. The Riders, who won a thrilling GSL campaign last year, have confirmed the inclusion of Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay—a combination that adds international pedigree, variety, and firepower to an already well-balanced outfit.
At the heart of Rangpur’s overseas recruitment is Iftikhar Ahmed, the experienced middle-order all-rounder who has featured for Pakistan across all formats. Known for his clean hitting, Iftikhar is expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs for the team, both with the bat and his part-time off-spin.
Joining Iftikhar is a duo well acquainted with the Rangpur Riders due to their participation in the Bangladesh Premier League. Akif Javed, who rose to mainstream attention due to his performances in the BPL, adds variation to his new team’s bowling attack.
Meanwhile, Khawaja Nafay will bring his typical aggression, youthful flair, and intent at the top of the order. His ability to accelerate in the powerplay and target spinners could be vital on the Providence surface, where early momentum often dictates match outcomes.
| Nurul Hasan Sohan (capt) | 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 |
The 2025 edition of the GSL will run from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, where Rangpur will open the tournament against hosts Guyana.
Having tasted success in last year’s GSL, the Riders will be banking on the Pakistani trio’s firepower to help them stay ahead of the chasing pack.