Category: Cricket

LAHORE: Karachi Kings pacer Mir Hamza has thrown his support behind captain David Warner, calling his leadership a major boost for the franchise ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

Warner, who returns to lead the side for a second consecutive season, guided Karachi Kings to the playoffs in the previous edition, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Lahore Qalandars.

With a revamped squad and added depth, the Kings will be aiming to go a step further this time around.

“Having David Warner as captain again this season is a big positive for us. He is very supportive and a natural leader,” Hamza said while speaking to the media ahead of the team’s training session.

The left-arm pacer also highlighted the balance within the squad, particularly pointing out the addition of Salman Ali Agha as a key asset.

“We also have a strong middle-order option in Salman Ali Agha, who can contribute with both bat and ball and is capable of playing long innings,” he added.

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Mir Hamza noted that the team’s preparations are now gathering momentum after a slow start due to the Eid break.

“Our preparation is going well, and the warm-up match has come at the right time. We needed match practice as a team, and today’s game helped us a lot in getting into rhythm,” he said.

With the league expanding to eight teams this season, the competition is expected to intensify. Hamza acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.

“All franchises have built strong squads, so we will see a good competition. My focus is to perform for my team and contribute wherever needed,” he remarked.

He also downplayed concerns over weather conditions, stating that players must adapt to different situations.

“Weather always has an impact, but as professionals, we have to adjust. Most of our matches are at night, so conditions won’t affect us much,” he explained.

Karachi Kings will begin their PSL 11 campaign on Friday against Quetta Gladiators, with a squad featuring a mix of international stars and local talent.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 11

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

READ: Hyderabad Kingsmen sign star Sri Lanka spinner for PSL 11

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen have bolstered their squad ahead of the tournament’s 11th edition with the signing of Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

The franchise confirmed the addition through their official social media platforms, welcoming the mystery spinner with a message that highlighted his reputation as a “wily operator.”

Theekshana arrives with a wealth of experience in T20 cricket. The 25-year-old has featured in 83 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka, picking up 82 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.08.

Across all T20 competitions, he has claimed 230 wickets in 225 matches, underlining his effectiveness in the shortest format.

Set to make his PSL debut, Theekshana also brings extensive franchise experience, having plied his trade in leagues around the world, including the IPL, ILT20, SA20, CPL and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

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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.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11

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: India-US consortium buys IPL Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.7bn

A consortium of investors, including US asset management giant Blackstone, on Tuesday announced the takeover of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the founding clubs of the Indian Premier League (IPL), for nearly $1.8 billion.

The announcement comes just days before the start of the lucrative T20 tournament on Saturday.

The franchise, which won the IPL for the first time last year, was sold by United Spirits Limited, the Indian unit of British alcoholic beverage giant Diageo, for 166.6 billion rupees ($1.77 billion).

In a statement, the acquiring consortium said it was “proud to become custodians of RCB.”

The group includes Bolt Ventures, run by leading sports investor David Blitzer, Indian media conglomerate The Times of India Group, along with Blackstone and Indian corporate giant Aditya Birla Group.

RCB’s “championship-winning culture” and its connection to the southern city of Bengaluru and “one of the most passionate fanbases in world sport make this an extraordinary opportunity.”

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“We are committed to taking RCB to new heights, on the pitch and beyond.”

Praveen Someshwar, chief executive at United Spirits Limited, said the deal was a milestone “as we sharpen focus on our core beverage alcohol business to unlock its true potential with sustained growth.”

The sale announcement came hours after RCB announced it will keep 11 seats at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium empty in memory of the fans crushed to death in title celebrations last year.

Eleven supporters, aged between 14 and 29, died in a stampede outside the stadium in June a day after RCB won the final against Punjab Kings and returned to a homecoming trophy parade.

Earlier this year, RCB’s women’s team won their second Women’s Premier League title.

READ: Griezmann to leave Atletico for Orlando at end of season

Ben Duckett has decided to pull out of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to save his England career.

He announced the decision in an exclusive interview with ‘The Telegraph’.

“Growing up as a kid, I dreamt of playing cricket for England, and that was it,” said Ben Duckett.

Duckett has already informed the Delhi Capitals of his decision, which will cost him £200,000 and could result in a three-year ban.

“It was a very difficult decision, and I want to apologise to everyone at Delhi that I won’t be coming,” he lamented.

The left-hander acknowledged the franchise for giving him the oppurtunity and picking him amongst the best players around the globe.

“I felt it was going to be a great opportunity when I put myself in the auction, and for a franchise like Delhi to pick me up was amazing. I was buzzing. It’s the best competition in the world with the best players, and it would have been an amazing experience,” Duckett explained.

The 31-year-old is also uncertain about his future in the league, with a potential ban looming.

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“I don’t know if I’m potentially saying goodbye to the IPL, having never played in it. With the age I am now [31], it might be tough for me, but I hope one day I’m able to represent Delhi. But I’ve thought a lot about this, and know it’s the right decision for my career,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Duckett had a below-par Ashes campaign. The opener only managed 221 runs at an average of 20 in five matches.

He also came into the spotlight ahead of the fourth Ashes Test after an alleged viral video surfaced in which he lost his way home during England’s Noosa break.

Ben Duckett’s poor form led to his axing from the Playing XI during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where he spent most of his time on the bench.

Notably, he could become the second England player, after Harry Brook, to face an IPL ban.

READ: Saud clarifies comments on Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has clarified remarks he made about Pakistan pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf during a recent podcast.

A few weeks earlier, Saud appeared on a podcast in which he was asked which of three bowlers — Khurram Shehzad, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf—he would play, retire, or bench if he were the national selector.

“I will play Khurram, retire Shaheen, and bench Rauf,” Pakistan Test vice-captain had replied.

The remarks soon gained traction, with people sharing different opinions about the duo.

Ahead of PSL 11’s start, Saud said his comments were made in a light-hearted manner and were not intended seriously.

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“The podcast was done in a funny way, but it was presented as something serious,” he said.

Saud has played alongside both pacers. The two have recently been in the spotlight following inconsistent performances: Rauf was dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while Shaheen had a below-par campaign.

Saud has played alongside Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Both pacers have been in the spotlight following inconsistent performances. Rauf was dropped from the Pakistan squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while Shaheen had an underwhelming campaign.

This will be the second year in a row that Saud will lead the Quetta Gladiators side.

Last season, Quetta Gladiators were outplayed in the final by Lahore Qalandars, thanks to Sikandar Raza’s heroics.

The PSL 11 will begin on March 26 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.  Quetta Gladiators will open their campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 at the same venue.

READ: Five uncapped Pakistan players to watch out for in PSL 11

The historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 is set to begin on March 26, with several uncapped players to keep an eye on who may turn out to be game changers. 

5. Farhan Yousaf

Farhan Yousaf, who captained Pakistan in the U19 World Cup, remained unpicked in the PSL 11 auction. He finished with 132 runs in five matches at an average of 66.

But later, Peshawar Zalmi roped him in through a direct signing.

He managed 143 runs in the National T20 Cup from four matches at a strike rate of 143 with a highest score of 61*.

4. Shahzaib Khan

Remember the name, Shahzaib Khan? The left-hander came to the limelight during the Pakistan U19 World Cup campaign in 2024, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer for the national team.

However, since then, he has been scoring runs freely in Pakistan domestic cricket, awaiting a call to the national side.

Picked by RawalPINDIZ for a base price of PKR 60 lacs, Shahzaib Khan was in good form during the recently concluded National T20 Cup. He amassed 160 runs in five matches at an average of 40 at a strike rate of 158, including two half-centuries.

3. Abdullah Fazal

The 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal is another player to look out for in the tournament. His elegant stroke play caught the eye of RawalPINDIZ at the auction, and he was bought for PKR 67.5 lakh in the auction.

The left-handed batter has been consistent in domestic cricket, particularly in the National T20 Cups, amassing 420 runs in eight matches, with a strike rate of 160. The left-hander has already earned the player of the match award in the team’s important outings.

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In the recently concluded National T20 Cup, he played a blinder, scoring 88 from 41 balls in the semi-final against Sialkot.

Earlier, he also played a crucial knock in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, scoring 88 and 114, which helped Karachi Blues lift the trophy.

2. Saqib Khan

Hailing from Karachi, fast bowling all-rounder Saqib Khan has dedicated many years to cricket. He was bought by Quetta Gladiators for a base price of PKR 60 lakh in the auction.

His perseverance finally paid off in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, where he finished as the second-highest wicket taker. Saqib took 47 wickets in nine matches for Karachi Blues, averaging 20.59, thereby playing a pivotal role in the team’s title glory.

Although he is 30, his seam and new ball bowling could trouble batters. Besides his bowling, Saqib could also come in handy with the bat, lower down the order.

1. Sameer Minhas

Sameer Minhas is tipped as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. The right-hander was a hot pick in the PSL 11 auction and was eventually bought by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore.

Sameer has already showcased his potential in the recently concluded ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, emerging as Pakistan’s leading run scorer.

He scored 197 runs in five games at an impressive strike rate of 105. Before heading to the U19 World Cup, Sameer blasted a record-breaking innings in the Asia Cup final against India.

The 19-year-old took only 42 balls to slam a ton, breaking India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record (52 balls) of the fastest youth hundred. Sameer Minhas blistering 172 from 113 took Pakistan to an imposing 347-run total against arch-rivals.

The total was enough to seal a memorable 191-run victory for the Green Shirts.

READ: PSL 11 squads locked in as trade window closes

LAHORE: Emerging top-order batter Sameer Minhas has asserted that he is ready to play at any number for Islamabad United during the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The 19-year-old, regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in the country, was picked by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore at the PSL’s first-ever players’ auction.

He was the standout performer in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, playing a central role in Pakistan’s historic run to their maiden title.

During his brilliant campaign, he scored two centuries, including a 113-ball 172 against India in the final.

Earlier this year, he further underlined his credentials by scoring a 42-ball century in the U19 tri-series final against Zimbabwe, setting a new record for the fastest hundred in youth ODIs.

Now gearing up for his maiden PSL stint, Minhas believes the league offers a vital platform to break into the national side.

“PSL provides a great opportunity. If you perform here, you can make your way into the national team,” he said while speaking to the media in Lahore.

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“You get to play alongside domestic and foreign players, and you learn a lot from them. I am looking forward to learning from players like Devon Conway and Mark Chapman.”

Despite the expectations that come with his recent performances, Minhas insisted he feels no added pressure and remains focused on playing his natural game.

“There is no extra pressure on me; Allah has given me a lot of respect, and I will continue to play my natural game the way I always play,” he said.

Sameer Minhas also praised Islamabad United’s management for fostering a supportive environment for young players, reiterating his willingness to adapt to the team’s needs.

“Islamabad United is a very good franchise. They know I usually bat in the top order, and if I get that opportunity, I’ll do well there. But wherever the team needs me, I will give my 100 percent,” he said.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Max Bryant, 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: Peshawar Zalmi rope in Brian Bennett for PSL 11

Peshawar Zalmi have signed Zimbabwe emerging batter Brian Bennett for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Zalmi owner Afridi confirmed the news on his social media handle.

“We welcome Brian John Bennett from Zimbabwe to the Zalmi family,” Afridi wrote.

With this, Bennett will join Sikandar Raza as the only other player from Zimbabwe to play in PSL 11.

The signing comes on the back of Bennett’s impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he emerged as the sixth-highest run getter.

The right-hander notched up 292 runs in six matches at a stellar average of 146, including three half-centuries.

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He batted at a strike rate of 134, with a highest score of 97, unbeaten, against India in the Super Eights. Overall, the 22-year-old has played 58 T20Is, scoring 1888 runs, including a century and 12 half-centuries.

Notably, his PSL debut will mark his first appearance in an overseas league.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 behind closed doors across two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The upcoming edition is to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz.

The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

Updated Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 11:

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

READ: Multan Sultans appoint Shan Masood as vice-captain for PSL 11

Multan Sultans have named Shan Masood as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The outfit announced the news on social media handles with a video featuring Masood.

“Your Vice Captain – Shaan Masood. Back where he belongs,” the caption of the post read.

Pakistan Test captain Masood previously led the franchise in 2020, winning six out of 12 games and losing four, with a win percentage of 50.

 

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A post shared by Multan Sultans (@multansultans)

Under his leadership, Multan Sultans missed out on the trophy, losing to Peshawar Zalmi in the final by 47 runs.

Meanwhile, the 2021 winners will be led by Australian all-rounder Ashton Turner.

Turner a seasoned middle-order batter and five-time Big Bash League (BBL) champion has established himself as a T20 specialist across multiple global leagues, including the BBL, Men’s The Hundred, IPL, SA20, and the CPL.

Turner previously played for Multan Sultans in the last PSL season, appearing in three matches and scoring 15 runs.

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He now succeeds Mohammad Rizwan, who captained the Sultans in 58 matches, winning 33 and losing 25, with a win percentage of 56.89%.

Rizwan notably led the team to their maiden PSL title in 2021, defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. However, in PSL 11, Rizwan will be leading the new PSL franchise Pindiz.

Notably, the revival of Multan Sultans for PSL 11 comes after a series of last-minute franchise changes.

The original Sultans franchise was acquired by the Walee Group and rebranded as Pindiz, initially raising doubts about the team’s participation.

However, on March 3, the PSL franchise formerly known as Sialkot Stallionz was rebranded as Multan Sultans following a majority takeover by CD Ventures.

Gohar Shah, CEO of CD Ventures, acquired the majority stake from OZ Developers, who had purchased the franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, raising the franchise’s annual valuation to PKR 2 billion.

Multan Sultans Squad for PSL 11:

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

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed is aiming to make a return to the national side with a strong performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Iftikhar, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in 2024, spoke to the media ahead of the start of the tournament.

“PSL preparation is going good,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be as enjoyable without the crowd, but now we have to enjoy without them. The people of Peshawar love cricket so much that the stadium was packed during the National T20 [Cup],” he continued.

The all-rounder also rued not having fans in the stadium for the PSL 11 amid the government’s decision.

“People were waiting for the PSL match, but now the government has decided that the match will not be played in Peshawar,” said Iftikhar.

“I am a professional player, and I plan to play for Pakistan. I want to be the best all-rounder in [PSL] so that I can make a comeback into the Pakistan team,” the 35-year-old maintained.

“Every franchise works professionally. I have played for Peshawar Zalmi before. I hope I will perform well.”

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He also declined any communication regarding comeback with head coach Mike Hesson.

“There has been no contact with Mike Hesson. If I perform, everyone will see it. Performances are not hidden,” he concluded.

Overall, Iftikhar Ahmed has played 78 matches for five PSL franchises, amassing 1134 runs alongside 13 wickets.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 behind closed doors across two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The upcoming edition is to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz.

The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

READ: PSL 11 official anthem ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’ released