Multan Sultans secured their first win of HBL PSL 2025 in emphatic fashion, but the night’s buzz came off-field when commentator Ramiz Raja mistakenly referred to the tournament as the “HBL IPL” during the post-match presentation.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja, now a familiar voice in cricket commentary, sparked an online frenzy on Tuesday after a slip of the tongue during the awards ceremony at Multan Cricket Stadium.
As Ireland’s Josh Little was being honoured for the catch of the match—dismissing Fakhar Zaman—Raja accidentally referred to the Pakistan Super League as the “HBL IPL”.
The moment was quickly picked up by fans, with video clips of the gaffe going viral across social media platforms.
Memes and reactions flooded timelines, many poking fun at the mix-up and others calling it a moment of comic relief in an intense season.
Time to retire from commentary as well
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) April 23, 2025
Rameez Raja wants to be part of IPL
— Anirban (@Anirban37699026) April 23, 2025
Ramiz Out of englis🤣
— Muhammad Muavia (@iamMK_46) April 22, 2025
It also prompted a debate between IPL and PSL fans with regards to which cricketing T20 league was better.
We know IPL is bigger but PSL is better too
— Numair Tariq (@NumairTariq2) April 23, 2025
HBL PSL ❌
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) April 23, 2025
HBL IPL ✅
Best Catch of the "HBL IPL" ~ Ramiz Raja does it again 😅 pic.twitter.com/mbt2mFdGzP
The incident followed a commanding performance by the Sultans, who bounced back from a slow start to the season by defeating Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs.
Yasir Khan starred with the bat, smashing 87 off just 44 balls in an explosive innings that included six boundaries and six maximums.
His opening stand of 89 runs with captain Mohammad Rizwan (32 off 17) propelled the hosts to 228/5—the highest team total at Multan in PSL history.
In reply, the Qalandars mounted a strong chase, but despite brisk knocks from Fakhar Zaman (32), Sam Billings (43), and Sikandar Raza (50), they fell short at 195/9.
Ubaid Shah impressed with three wickets, while Josh Little’s highlight-reel catch provided the game’s defining moment.
Elsewhere, Islamabad United remain unbeaten atop the HBL PSL 2025 table with four wins, followed by Karachi Kings with six points. Lahore Qalandars sit third with four points from five matches.
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