Category: Cricket

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 has reached its final stage of preparation, with all eight franchises locking in their squads ahead of the opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen.

With last-minute adjustments due to injuries, player withdrawals and late inclusions of domestic performers, the teams have now been finalised for what is set to be a landmark edition of the league.

The official PSL social media channels confirmed the squads with the caption: “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏. 🏏 With the latest changes confirmed, here is how the teams look for HBL PSL 11. 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅, 𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏!⚡”

 

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This year’s edition marks a major expansion in PSL history, with eight teams competing for the first time. Alongside established franchises, newcomers RawalPindiz and Hyderabad Kingsmen add a fresh dimension to the tournament.

The 44-match event will begin on March 26, with each team scheduled to play 10 league-stage matches. The top four sides will then qualify for the playoffs, leading up to the final on May 3.

The opening fixture will see Lahore Qalandars begin their title defence against Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore, setting the tone for a highly competitive season.

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PSL 11 Squads

Lahore Qalandars

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl, Shahab Khan

Hyderabad Kingsmen

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana, Ahmed Hussain

Islamabad United

Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz, Chris Green, Mohammad Salman Mirza

Karachi Kings

David Warner (c), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Zampa, Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Muhammad Waseem, Haroon Arshad, Reeza Hendricks, Ihsanullah, Rizwanullah

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Quetta Gladiators

Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Ahsaan Ali, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Ben McDermott, Tom Curran

Multan Sultans

Ashton Turner (c), Shan Masood (vc), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Philippe, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ismail, Atizaz Habib Khan

Peshawar Zalmi

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, Tanzid Hasan, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf, Brian Bennett, Mohammad Basit, Shoriful Islam

RawalPindiz

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrestor, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Razaullah, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Cole McConchie, Usman Khawaja, Saad Masood

READ: PCB outlines ticket refund process after PSL 11 moves behind closed doors

LAHORE: The opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen is set to be played under heavily overcast conditions, with weather concerns lingering ahead of the curtain-raiser.

Three-time champions Lahore Qalandars will begin their title defence against a new-look Hyderabad Kingsmen side in what marks the start of the expanded 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

While rain has already disrupted preparations, including a recently abandoned practice match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators at the LCCA Ground, conditions on match day are expected to remain dry but far from clear.

At around 6:00 PM, Lahore is forecast to experience fully cloudy skies with temperatures hovering near 26°C and a RealFeel of 25°C, indicating relatively comfortable playing conditions. Winds will blow from the west-northwest at around 15 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 22 km/h, providing a steady breeze across the venue.

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Humidity levels are expected to stay in the low-to-mid 50s, gradually rising as the evening progresses, while cloud cover is predicted to remain near total, leaving no room for sunlight. Visibility is expected to remain fair at around 8 km, with low UV exposure due to night conditions.

However, air quality remains a concern, with forecasts indicating poor conditions that may cause discomfort, particularly for players and spectators with respiratory sensitivities.

By 7:00 PM, conditions are expected to remain largely unchanged, with temperatures slightly rising to 27°C and humidity edging higher, making the atmosphere a bit more moisture-heavy but still within playable limits.

Lahore Qalandars squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl and Shahab Khan.

Hyderabad Kingsmen squad: Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana and Ahmed Hussain.

READ: Lahore Qalandars sign another Zimbabwe player for PSL 11

Former Pakistan middle-order batter Asif Ali has hinted at a potential return to international cricket, stating he remains available for selection, but stressed that his immediate focus is on delivering for Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The 34-year-old, who announced his international retirement in September last year, said his commitment to the game remains unchanged as long as he maintains his fitness.

“Look, my job is to play cricket. You saw in the [2024] World Cup as well that two retired players [Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim] returned to the Pakistan team. If there is a need, I am available. But my first focus is to play in the PSL and perform,” Asif said while speaking to reporters during a training session in Lahore.

Asif, who featured in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan, referenced the returns of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to underline that comebacks remain a possibility if the team requires experienced players.

Currently part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, Asif Ali emphasised that his primary objective is to help the defending champions retain their title in the upcoming edition.

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“Look, the target and aim are the same for all players; that just as we were champions last time, we aim to be champions again this time,” he stated.

He further made it clear that retirement, for now, is not a closed chapter, insisting he will continue to play professional cricket for as long as he remains physically capable.

“As for retirement, I am still playing cricket, and God willing, as long as I have fitness, I will continue to play,” he added.

Known for his finishing ability, Asif also expressed flexibility regarding his batting position, highlighting his willingness to adapt according to the team’s needs.

“I have played wherever the team needed me, and the number was selected according to the team combination. I was happy there, and this time as well, whatever number they give me, I will be happy with that,” he concluded.

READ: Islamabad United sign THIS young batter to squad for PSL 11

LAHORE: Former champions Islamabad United have finalised their squad for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 after adding young batter Mohsin Riaz to their roster in a late move ahead of the tournament.

The franchise confirmed the signing on Wednesday night through their official social media platforms, welcoming the Sheikhupura-born right-hander to the squad.

“Islamabad United is excited to welcome the dynamic Mohsin Riaz to the ISLU family,” the franchise announced.

 

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The 25-year-old has shown promise in domestic T20 cricket, having featured in eight matches and scoring 106 runs at a healthy strike rate of 137.66. He also impressed in the recently concluded National T20 Cup while representing Sialkot Region, where he accumulated 61 runs in four outings at a strike rate exceeding 135.

Islamabad United have been active in the final days leading up to the tournament, having earlier confirmed the inclusion of Chris Green as a replacement for injured Australian batter Max Bryant. The late adjustments have taken the squad size to 20 players.

Led by Shadab Khan, United will begin their PSL 11 campaign against Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Islamabad United squad

Shadab Khan (captain), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Chris Green, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: Lahore Qalandars sign another Zimbabwe player for PSL 11

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have completed their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of Zimbabwe all-rounder Ryan Burl as a direct pick.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, announcing Burl as their final addition, taking the squad strength to 20 players ahead of the tournament.

 

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The 31-year-old will join fellow Zimbabwe international Sikandar Raza in the Qalandars setup, adding further depth to both their batting and bowling departments.

Burl, who is set to make his PSL debut, brings considerable experience from various T20 leagues. He has featured prominently in competitions such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the ILT20, where he has showcased his all-round credentials.

In the BPL, the left-handed batter has scored 620 runs in 37 matches at a strike rate of 127.57, while also picking up 13 wickets. On the international stage, Burl has represented Zimbabwe in 118 T20Is, amassing 1,948 runs at a strike rate close to 125, alongside claiming 62 wickets.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Lahore Qalandars squad for PSL 11

Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl and Shahab Khan.

READ: Islamabad United make late change to squad for PSL 11

LAHORE: Three-time champions Islamabad United have been dealt an early setback ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, with Australia’s Max Bryant ruled out due to injury, prompting the franchise to bring in compatriot Chris Green as his replacement.

The franchise confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that Bryant, who was picked for Rs19.5 million during last month’s player auction, will miss the entire tournament.

“Chris Green replaces Max Bryant. Unfortunately, Max Bryant has been ruled out of the PSL due to an injury,” Islamabad United announced via their official social media platforms.

Green has been signed for Rs14 million, bringing valuable balance to the squad with his all-round capabilities. The Australian is a well-travelled T20 specialist, having featured in multiple franchise leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and The Hundred.

The off-spinning all-rounder is no stranger to the PSL either, having previously represented Multan Sultans in the 2019 edition. During that campaign, he picked up four wickets and scored 27 runs across five appearances.

Islamabad United will be hoping Green can quickly settle into the setup as they prepare to kick off their PSL 11 campaign against Multan Sultans on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan (captain), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Chris Green, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: PCB outlines ticket refund process after PSL 11 moves behind closed doors

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a comprehensive ticket refund policy for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, following the decision to stage the tournament without spectators.

The move comes after a major revision to the event’s original plans, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirming earlier that the entire tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, behind closed doors due to the prevailing regional situation.

As a result, fans who had already purchased tickets for matches will now be eligible for refunds, with the board clarifying that the process will be automatic for online bookings.

According to the PCB, all tickets purchased through digital platforms will be refunded directly to the original payment method used at the time of booking. This includes transactions made via debit and credit cards, as well as mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board and HBL PSL appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming you back to the stadiums for an even more exciting cricketing experience in future,” the PCB stated in a press release.

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“For any ticket refund related queries get in touch at [email protected].”

The refund process is set to begin on March 30, 2026, and is expected to be completed within 15 working days. However, the board noted that timelines may vary slightly depending on individual banks or payment service providers.

Importantly, ticket holders are not required to take any action to initiate the refund. In case of delays beyond the stated timeframe, customers have been advised to contact their respective banks or payment platforms for further assistance.

The PCB also expressed appreciation for the fans’ understanding amid the changes and reiterated its commitment to bringing spectators back to stadiums in future editions.

READ: PSL 11: Rawalpindiz bring in Usman Khawaja as replacement signing

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have strengthened their squad ahead of the landmark 11th edition by signing Australian veteran Usman Khawaja as a replacement for Laurie Evans.

The franchise confirmed the development through its official social media platforms, welcoming the experienced left-hander to the side.

“@Uz_Khawaja joins The Pindiz! A world-class batter with top-level experience comes in as the replacement for Laurie Evans. Welcome to Pindi, Uzzie,” the franchise announced.

Khawaja brings a wealth of experience to the newly-formed outfit, having featured in 121 T20 matches, scoring over 3,400 runs at an average of 30.35 and a strike rate of 131.32. His T20 career spans multiple leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), England’s Vitality Blast, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The left-hander is also no stranger to the PSL, having previously represented Islamabad United in the 2021 edition. During that campaign, he enjoyed an impressive run, amassing 246 runs in seven matches at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate exceeding 150.

Khawaja’s inclusion adds stability and experience to the Rawalpindiz batting unit as they prepare for their debut season in the competition.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: David Warner confident new additions will strengthen Karachi Kings in PSL 11

LAHORE: Karachi Kings captain David Warner expressed confidence in his side’s preparations and squad strength ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, vowing to build on last season’s performance and push beyond the playoffs.

Speaking at the pre-tournament captains’ press conference in Lahore, Warner highlighted the importance of continuity while also welcoming the new additions to the squad.

“It’s always great to have players like Adam Zampa and Salman Ali Agha in our group,” Warner said. “For us, it’s about trying to replicate what we did well last year and then improve on areas where we fell short. Hopefully, we can do better this season and go beyond the playoffs.”

Warner also expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled during the player auction, backing his side to compete strongly in the expanded eight-team tournament.

“We’ve got a really good group of players, and I think we did a great job at the auction. We’re ready to compete against the best teams,” he added with a smile.

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Karachi Kings had an encouraging campaign in PSL 10, where Warner led from the front with the bat, scoring 368 runs in 11 innings at an average of 33.45 and an impressive strike rate of 153.97.

Addressing questions about his fitness at the age of 39, Warner dismissed any concerns, underlining his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.

“Look, at 39, I’m extremely fit—probably fitter than most people my age playing this game,” he said. “It’s all about maintaining a healthy diet, training hard, and putting in the work on the field. Hopefully, I can score good runs again and put the team in strong positions.”

With a balanced squad and renewed intent, Karachi Kings will be aiming to make a deeper run in PSL 11 under Warner’s leadership.

READ: Mir Hamza backs David Warner’s leadership as Karachi Kings gear up for PSL 11

CHRISTCHURCH: South Africa sealed a hard-fought 3-2 T20I series victory over New Zealand after registering a convincing 33-run win in the decider at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.

Put into bat, the visitors posted a formidable 187 for four in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a dominant middle-order display led by Connor Esterhuizen, who turned the game on its head with a blistering knock.

South Africa’s innings began on a cautious note as Tony de Zorzi departed early for 12, but Wiaan Mulder and Rubin Hermann steadied things with a crucial 55-run stand.

Mulder made a composed 31 before falling in the 11th over, while Hermann followed soon after for 39, leaving the innings delicately poised.

However, Esterhuizen’s arrival shifted the momentum dramatically. The right-hander launched a counter-attack, stitching together a rapid 61-run partnership with Dian Forrester in just 27 deliveries.

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Esterhuizen was particularly destructive, smashing 75 off 33 balls, laced with five fours and six sixes, to propel South Africa to a commanding total. Forrester remained unbeaten on 21 as the visitors finished strongly.

Ben Sears was the standout performer for New Zealand with figures of 2 for 37, while Zak Foulkes and Josh Clarkson picked up a wicket each.

In reply, New Zealand never quite found the required momentum as South Africa’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase.

Tim Robinson’s 25 and Dane Cleaver’s 22 offered some resistance, while Bevon Jacobs provided late fireworks with a quickfire 36 off 19 balls.

Captain James Neesham chipped in with 24, but the hosts ultimately fell short, finishing on 154 for eight.

South Africa’s bowling unit delivered a collective effort, with Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder and Ottniel Baartman claiming two wickets apiece, while Keshav Maharaj added one to cap off a disciplined performance.

READ: Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool at the end of the season