Rangpur Riders Sign Iftikhar, Akif, and Nafay for 2025 Global Super League
Rangpur Riders have bolstered their squad for the upcoming 2025 edition of the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana by signing three Pakistani cricketers — Iftikhar Ahmed, Akif Javed, and Khawaja Nafay — all set to make their GSL debuts.
The defending champions confirmed the additions ahead of the tournament, which will take place from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. The Riders, known for their resilience, will aim to replicate last year’s title-winning campaign, where they bounced back from a poor start to clinch the trophy with a string of late victories.
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Veteran all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed brings vast T20 experience, having featured in leagues like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Lanka Premier League (LPL). Left-arm pacer Akif Javed also holds LPL experience, while middle-order batter Khawaja Nafay has participated in two BPL seasons.
The team retains a solid core of local and overseas talent, including captain Hasan and leading run-scorer Soumya Sarkar from last year’s GSL edition. Fast bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi, a key figure in their previous success, also returns.
International recruits such as South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi, West Indies’ Kyle Mayers, and Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran will provide additional firepower. The 16-man squad aims to maintain Rangpur’s reputation as a powerhouse in franchise cricket, having also won the BPL title in 2017.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for 13 Pakistani players to participate in overseas leagues. Among the Rangpur trio, Nafay has secured his NOC, while approvals for Iftikhar and Akif are still pending.
Other Pakistani cricketers set to feature in the GSL include Mohammad Nawaz, Saud Shakeel, and Sahibzada Farhan. Shakeel will represent the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Nawaz and Farhan have been signed by the Hobart Hurricanes. NOCs have officially been granted for Nafay and Nawaz, with Saud and Farhan awaiting final clearance from the PCB.
The inclusion of Pakistani talent is expected to elevate the competitive level of the GSL and enhance its appeal to South Asian audiences, as the league continues to grow as a global T20 franchise platform.
Full Squad Lists
Rangpur Riders – GSL 2025:
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.
Guyana Amazon Warriors – GSL 2025:
Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Ramanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, Amir Jangoo.
Hobart Hurricanes – GSL 2025:
Ben McDermott, Billy Stanlake, Nikhil Chaudhary, Jackson Bird, Tim Ward, Jake Doran, Raf MacMillan, Marcus Bean, Mac Wright, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Nabi, Odean Smith.
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