After coming up just short in last year’s finals, GM Riaz Champsi returned with a chip on his shoulder and a clear vision for the 2025 Eagles. He united with co-captain Noor Zia—selecting him over Ali Raza Nasser—to form what might be the most cohesive locker room in JMS. Champsi prioritized chemistry, versatility, and character over raw power, forming a roster that’s built to support each other and grind out wins. Despite not drafting a pitcher, Riaz is ready to take the mound himself, believing he can return to form and give his team a chance to win every week.

This is a team that believes in “next man up” and the power of culture. But there are legitimate questions: Did they draft enough offense? Can their makeshift outfield hold up? Will their small-ball approach be enough in a league filled with big bats?

 

 

🧢 Riaz Champsi
The most experienced players in the league is back, this time taking the reins on the mound. Riaz is hoping to recapture his elite pitching form of years past and still believes he can shut down even the most dangerous lineups. More importantly, he’s created an environment where players want to play hard for each other. He’ll rely heavily on Noor to manage the infield and defensive positioning, allowing him to focus on throwing strikes.
X-Factor: Can Riaz give the Eagles enough quality innings on the mound to keep them competitive deep into games?

⚾ Noor Zia
A natural shortstop and one of the best all-around talents in the league he’ll be a vocal leader in the infield and a consistent bat at the top of the lineup. Known for turning mid-tier rosters into contenders, this season may allow him to just focus on dominating.
X-Factor: Will Noor be freed up enough to unleash an MVP-caliber season?

🧱 Imran Virji
Virji was a surprise pick over Muz Jaffer as the outfield QB, but this is a proven defender in CF. With years of experience and elite range, he’ll be asked to anchor a relatively untested OF group. His bat is the question mark, but in this lineup, he won’t need to do too much—just get on base and turn singles into doubles with his legs.
X-Factor: Can Virji find his rhythm at the plate and solidify the outfield’s leadership role?

💥 Shane Worthington
One of the hardest hitters in the league, Shane brings raw power and high energy. He’ll slot in at 3B, where his athleticism and arm strength can shine. He was a core piece on last year’s championship team, and that winning pedigree will be valuable for this group.
X-Factor: Can Shane provide the power bat this team needs to balance its small-ball identity?

🧊 Shane Nasser
Composed, consistent, and unbothered by pressure, Shane is the kind of player every team wants in the lineup. He doesn’t stat-watch and doesn’t flinch—he just gets on base and makes plays. He’ll be key to keeping the energy level stable.
X-Factor: Will Shane continue his steady play and provide glue for a team built on chemistry?

🎁 Jaffer Kermalli
Jaffer is a major value pick. After a breakout season following his return from time off, he inexplicably dropped in the draft, allowing the Eagles to grab a starting OF who can rake. His combination of quiet confidence and ability to stretch extra-base hits makes him a perfect fit for this team.
X-Factor: Can Jaffer continue to build on his momentum and become a go-to offensive threat?

🧤 Arif Remtulla
A gold glove candidate at 2B, Arif may also spend time at rover depending on where Bobby lines up. He’s reliable, calm, and has a strong glove—perfect for turning double plays and stabilizing the middle of the infield.
X-Factor: Will Arif’s consistency help set the tone for a strong defensive unit?

🔥 Bobby Bharwani
The Commissioner of JMS had a down year in 2024 but is reportedly back in form, spending his off-season in softball-focused training programs. A high-motor guy, Bobby adds energy and intensity—and will be gunning to erase last year’s struggles. Competing with Arif for 2B, one of them will slide to rover.
X-Factor: Can Bobby bounce back and return to the gold glove form that once made him elite?

🧢 Daanish Jaffer
Quiet, consistent, and a solid glove in the OF, Daanish won’t draw headlines but always gets the job done. He’s been a staple in the OF for years and could become a defensive anchor if Virji or Jaffer shift around.
X-Factor: Will Daanish’s calm demeanor and reliability shore up an otherwise shaky OF unit?

🦺 Maz Ismail
One of the elder statesmen of the league, Maz brings veteran savvy and could log time at 1B or even help Riaz on the mound if needed. His role might be limited, but his voice and presence will matter, especially in close games.
X-Factor: Can Maz step up in a utility role and deliver in high-leverage situations?

💣 Ali Champsi
Still brimming with potential, Ali’s development may be the single most important subplot of the Eagles’ season. With coaching from Noor and Riaz, he could take a major leap. There’s real belief in his bat, and defensively, he may find a role behind the plate.
X-Factor: Will this be the year Ali Champsi turns raw potential into week-to-week production?

🧱 Adil Jaffer
Adil returns as a full-time player and will look to carve out a role similar to his brother Fife without requesting a rule change. He’ll likely see time in the infield and C and will need to prove he can contribute at the plate consistently.
X-Factor: Can Adil provide quality depth and show he’s ready for a bigger role?

🧪 Zain Hirji (Reserve)
A promising young player, Zain is one of the most athletic reserves in the league. If given the chance, he could make a major impact when the Eagles call him up.
X-Factor: Will Zain’s athleticism and drive earn him playing time in a deep lineup?

🧪 Taishon Sutherland (Reserve)
Another new face to JMS, Taishon is raw but athletic. A long-term project that might crack the roster if injuries or absences pile up.
X-Factor: Can Taishon show enough development to get reps this season?

Team X-Factors:

1. Can Riaz hold it down on the mound without a backup pitcher on the roster?
2. Will this be the year Noor converts elite team chemistry into a championship?
3. Is there enough power in this lineup to keep up with the big bats across the league?