Category: Cricket

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a show-cause notice to fast bowler Naseem Shah for an alleged breach of his central contract and the board’s media policy during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

According to the board, the notice has been served under its disciplinary framework, with the right-arm pacer required to submit a response within the stipulated time. The PCB will determine any further course of action after reviewing his reply.

While the board did not officially disclose the reason behind the notice, it is understood to be linked to a social media post that surfaced during the tournament opener between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

The controversy emerged after a post from Naseem’s account on X (formerly Twitter) gained traction online.

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The now-deleted message appeared as a quote repost of a PCB update featuring chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcoming Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the venue.

“Why is she treated like the queen at Lords?” the message read, questioning the treatment of Maryam Nawaz at the event, drawing widespread attention on social media.

In response to the backlash, Naseem later issued a clarification, stating that the post was not made by him. He claimed that his account had been compromised and was only recently recovered after a security breach.

“This account of Naseem was recently hacked but now recovered successfully,” the statement read, distancing the player from the controversial remarks.

READ: PSL 11 unveils new rule to curb toss advantage

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has rolled out a significant change to its playing conditions for the ongoing season 11, allowing captains to submit two separate playing XIs before the toss in a move aimed at minimising the impact of the coin flip.

The regulation, which came into effect from the tournament opener between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen, enables teams to adapt more strategically depending on whether they bat or bowl first.

Both captains, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Marnus Labuschagne, submitted two different line-ups to the match referee before finalising their XI after the toss.

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed the amendment through an official statement, clarifying that the provision falls under Clause 1.2.1 of the PSL playing conditions.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has today confirmed an update in the Playing Conditions of the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, which has been in place since the opening match of the tournament between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen on Thursday,” the press release stated.

Under the updated rule, each captain can hand in two team sheets prior to the toss, with both containing 11 players and up to four substitute fielders.

Once the toss is completed, the captain must select one of the two line-ups and formally sign off on it. No further changes to the playing XI are permitted after that point without the opposition captain’s consent, except in the case of a concussion substitute.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The move is being seen as a progressive step, particularly in addressing the long-standing influence of dew in night matches. In such conditions, teams bowling second often struggle due to reduced grip for spinners and difficulty in controlling the ball, giving a notable edge to the side batting second.

By allowing captains to prepare two combinations, one tailored for batting first and another for chasing, the rule provides greater tactical flexibility.

Teams can now decide whether to strengthen their bowling attack or add batting depth based on real-time match conditions rather than being locked into a pre-toss decision.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi appoint Azhar Ali as fielding coach for PSL 11

LAHORE: A composed late assault from Moeen Ali, followed by a decisive four-wicket haul from Hasan Ali, powered Karachi Kings to a hard-fought 14-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in a thrilling Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Defending a competitive 182-run target, Karachi held their nerve to restrict Quetta to 167-7 despite a blazing start from the Gladiators’ top order.

Chasing the total, Quetta came out aggressively as opener Shamyl Hussain and captain Saud Shakeel stitched together a rapid 79-run stand in just seven overs.

Hussain led the charge with a scintillating 52 off 24 deliveries, laced with boundaries all around the park, before his dismissal triggered a shift in momentum.

The Kings struck back quickly through Salman Ali Agha and Adam Zampa, removing Hussain, Khawaja Nafay (3) and Shakeel in quick succession. Shakeel managed a steady 33 off 25 balls but struggled to maintain the required tempo.

A brief rebuilding effort from Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz added 29 runs, but the innings never truly regained control.

Hasan Ali then turned the contest decisively in Karachi’s favour with a match-defining penultimate over, dismissing Nawaz before removing Tom Curran and Ahmed Daniyal in quick succession.

Despite a late cameo from Ben McDermott (25*), Quetta fell short as Karachi Kings closed out a tense finish.

Hasan Ali finished as the standout performer with figures of 4-27, while Zampa, Moeen and Agha bagged one wicket each.

Earlier, Karachi Kings posted 181-7 after being put into bat, thanks to Moeen Ali’s quick cameo.

The Kings endured an early setback when Muhammad Waseem was dismissed for a three-ball duck in the opening over, leaving the side reeling at 3-1.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Salman Ali Agha and captain David Warner then steadied the innings with a 41-run stand. Agha struck a quickfire 22 off just 10 deliveries before being trapped lbw by Ahmed Daniyal.

Warner then anchored the innings alongside Saad Baig, adding 43 runs for the third wicket. Baig’s 30 off 23 balls ended at the hands of Daniyal, while Warner followed soon after with a measured 35 from 22 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and a six, as Karachi slipped to 100-4 midway through the innings.

The middle order, however, struggled to build sustained momentum. Azam Khan fell for 14 after being bowled by Usman Tariq, leaving the Kings in need of a late surge.

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That impetus came through Moeen Ali, who took control in the latter stages of the innings. He forged a crucial 39-run partnership with Khushdil Shah (12) before accelerating in the death overs.

Moeen remained unbeaten on a fluent 48 off 29 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes, ensuring Karachi finished strongly at 181-7.

For Quetta Gladiators, Ahmed Daniyal was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Alzarri Joseph provided solid support with two wickets, while Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed chipped in with one apiece.

READ: Argentina head coach opens up on Messi’s 2026 World Cup participation

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Karachi Kings in the second match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. 

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Muhammad Waseem, Salman Ali Agha, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Khushdil Shah, Shahid Aziz, Hasan Ali, Adam Zampa and Mir Hamza.

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Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (c), Shamyl Hussain, Rilee Rossouw, Hassan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Ben McDermott (wk), Tom Curran, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.

HEAD TO HEAD

Karachi and Quetta have faced each other in 20 matches, with the latter holding a lead with 13 victories. Meanwhile, the Kings have secured seven wins.

Matches 20, Karachi Kings 7, Quetta Gladiators 13

LAHORE: Karachi Kings fast bowler Abbas Afridi has set his sights on delivering another impactful season as he aims to play a key role in the franchise’s title push in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Speaking ahead of the team’s opening match against Quetta Gladiators, Abbas expressed his desire to replicate last year’s performances and contribute significantly to the team’s success.

“My goal for PSL 11 is simple: to perform the way I did last season and deliver consistent performances for my team,” Abbas said.

The right-arm pacer was instrumental in Karachi Kings’ campaign in PSL 10, where the side reached the playoffs under the captaincy of David Warner.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

In his debut season for the franchise, Abbas picked up 17 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 23.52, emerging as one of the team’s key bowlers.

Reflecting on the team environment, Abbas Afridi highlighted the positive morale within the squad and the collective ambition to lift the trophy.

“The team’s morale is high. We will try to give our best performances and aim to win the PSL title this season,” he added.

Abbas emphasized that his primary focus remains on his bowling, with the objective of contributing to the team’s victories through strong individual performances.

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“My focus is on my bowling, to perform as well as I can and play my part in the team’s success,” he said.

The 24-year-old also backed Karachi Kings to make the most of their home conditions, pointing out the familiarity and advantage it brings.

“Karachi is our home ground, and the conditions suit us. InshaAllah, we will try to deliver strong performances there,” he noted.

Abbas further underlined his personal ambition for the season, making his intentions clear ahead of PSL 11.

“My personal goal is to help Karachi Kings win the title with my bowling,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi appoint Azhar Ali as fielding coach

LAHORE: Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their coaching setup for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 by appointing former national captain Azhar Ali as their fielding coach.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms shortly after the tournament opener, welcoming the experienced batter into their setup for the upcoming edition.

“We are pleased to welcome Azhar Ali, former Pakistan captain, as our fielding coach for PSL 11,” the franchise announced.

Highlighting his credentials, Zalmi added, “Armed with a compact technique and immense patience, Azhar Ali brings a composed and disciplined approach, along with vast international experience that will strengthen our fielding unit and elevate our intensity on the field. We are delighted to have you join the Zalmi family as we continue to raise the bar.”

 

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Peshawar Zalmi are set to begin their campaign against tournament debutants Rawalpindiz on Saturday at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Despite his long and decorated international career, Azhar’s involvement in the PSL as a player was limited to the inaugural edition, where he represented Lahore Qalandars.

He featured in seven matches, scoring 183 runs at a strike rate of 106.39, including one half-century, while also leading the side during that season.

READ: Marnus Labuschagne breaks silence on Maaz Sadaqat’s exclusion

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne has clarified the absence of promising youngster Maaz Sadaqat from his side’s playing XI in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 opener, confirming the batter was ruled out due to injury.

The Kingsmen made their much-anticipated debut against defending champions Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday but endured a difficult start, suffering a heavy 69-run defeat.

However, the omission of Maaz Sadaqat, one of Pakistan’s most talked-about emerging talents, drew significant attention even before the first ball was bowled.

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The top-order batter, known for his aggressive stroke play and useful spin bowling, has been making headlines following his performances for Pakistan Shaheens and his recent ODI debut.

Addressing the situation in the post-match press conference, Labuschagne confirmed that the youngster was unavailable due to a side strain.

“Yeah, he was injured with… I don’t know if I’m meant to say what sort of injury that was,” Labuschagne said.
“A side. He had a side strain. I don’t know the severity, but hopefully we’ll have him back very soon.”

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Hyderabad’s struggles on the field only amplified the impact of his absence, as their batting unit faltered in pursuit of a daunting 200-run target.

Labuschagne himself top-scored with a cautious 26 off 22 deliveries, while Riley Meredith contributed an unbeaten 19 from the lower order. Apart from them, only Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam (10) and Mohammad Ali (10) managed to reach double figures in an underwhelming chase, as the Kingsmen were bundled out for 130.

READ: Dominant Lahore Qalandars thump Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 11 opener

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars began their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 campaign in commanding fashion, registering a comprehensive 69-run victory over debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a daunting 200-run target in their maiden PSL outing, the Kingsmen never found momentum and were eventually bowled out for 130 in their 20 overs.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for Hyderabad with a modest 26 off 22 deliveries, while No.9 batter Riley Meredith remained unbeaten on 19.

Apart from them, only Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam (10) and Mohammad Ali (10) managed to reach double figures in an otherwise underwhelming chase.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

For Lahore, the bowling effort was evenly shared, with Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah claiming two wickets apiece, while Mustafizur Rahman and skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with one each.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted an imposing 199-6, thanks largely to a fluent half-century from Fakhar Zaman and a strong finish from the middle order.

The hosts made a flying start as Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem stitched together an 84-run opening stand, putting immediate pressure on the Kingsmen bowlers.

Naeem’s brisk 30 off 19 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, set the tone before he was dismissed by Hassan Khan in the ninth over.

The innings, however, briefly lost momentum as Lahore suffered a mini-collapse, losing Abdullah Shafique to a run-out and then Fakhar shortly after he completed his half-century. The left-hander remained the standout performer, scoring 53 off 39 deliveries, laced with nine fours.

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A steady 37-run stand between Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon helped stabilise the innings before the latter departed for 14.

Lahore then accelerated in the death overs, with Haseebullah combining with Sikandar Raza for a quick 45-run partnership. Raza provided the late impetus with a 10-ball 24, striking two sixes and two fours, while Haseebullah remained unbeaten on a well-crafted 40 off 28 deliveries.

Cameos from Asif Ali (9) and Shaheen Afridi (12 not out) ensured the Qalandars finished just one run short of the 200-mark.

For Hyderabad, Riley Meredith and Hassan Khan picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali accounted for one dismissal.

READ: PSL 11 final squads revealed

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and decided to bat first against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. 

Playing XIs

India will host Australia in a high-profile five-match Test series starting January next year to end the 2026/27 home season, the country’s cricket board announced on Thursday.

“The season will culminate with the prestigious and much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, featuring a five-match Test series against Australia, beginning on January 21, 2027, in Nagpur,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said.

“The contest will then move to Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad,” the board said.

India suffered a 2-0 Test whitewash against South Africa at home last year and are placed sixth in the World Test Championship (WTC) table, led by Australia.

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India’s home season will begin with a white-ball series, comprising three one-day matches and five T20 Internationals against the West Indies, starting on September 27.

The cricketing powerhouse will host Sri Lanka in December 2026 for a white-ball series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is.

Zimbabwe will be in India for three 50-over matches in January.

India home fixtures 2026/27

West Indies Tour of India (2026)

• 1st ODI: Sun 27 Sep, 2:00 PM – Trivandrum
• 2nd ODI: Wed 30 Sep, 2:00 PM – Guwahati
• 3rd ODI: Sat 03 Oct, 2:00 PM – New Chandigarh
• 1st T20I: Tue 06 Oct, 7:00 PM – Lucknow
• 2nd T20I: Fri 09 Oct, 7:00 PM – Ranchi
• 3rd T20I: Sun 11 Oct, 7:00 PM – Indore
• 4th T20I: Wed 14 Oct, 7:00 PM – Hyderabad
• 5th T20I: Sat 17 Oct, 7:00 PM – Bengaluru

Sri Lanka Tour of India (2026)

• 1st ODI: Sun 13 Dec, 2:00 PM – Delhi
• 2nd ODI: Wed 16 Dec, 2:00 PM – Bengaluru
• 3rd ODI: Sat 19 Dec, 2:00 PM – Ahmedabad
• 1st T20I: Tue 22 Dec, 7:00 PM – Rajkot
• 2nd T20I: Thu 24 Dec, 7:00 PM – Cuttack
• 3rd T20I: Sun 27 Dec, 7:00 PM – Pune

Zimbabwe Tour of India (2027)

• 1st ODI: Sun 03 Jan, 2:00 PM – Kolkata
• 2nd ODI: Wed 06 Jan, 2:00 PM – Hyderabad
• 3rd ODI: Sat 09 Jan, 2:00 PM – Mumbai

Australia Tour of India (2027) – Border-Gavaskar Trophy

• 1st Test: Thu 21 Jan – Mon 25 Jan, 9:30 AM – Nagpur
• 2nd Test: Fri 29 Jan – Tue 02 Feb, 9:30 AM – Chennai
• 3rd Test: Thu 11 Feb – Mon 15 Feb, 9:00 AM – Guwahati
• 4th Test: Fri 19 Feb – Tue 23 Feb, 9:30 AM – Ranchi
• 5th Test: Sat 27 Feb – Wed 03 Mar, 9:30 AM – Ahmedabad

READ: PSL 11 final squads revealed ahead of season opener