Category: Cricket

Lahore Qalandars have named Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The outfit confirmed the squad changes on social media handles.

“Daniel Sams is set to play for Lahore Qalandars. Bat, ball, impact—get ready for fireworks,” the caption wrote.

Sams, 33, has extensive T20 experience with 216 matches, amassing 2266 runs and seven half-centuries. His strike rate is notable at 152.90. In addition to batting, he has taken 262 wickets.

 

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Previously, he played for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL.

The replacement comes after Shanaka decided to withdraw from the tournament to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The Sri Lankan T20I captain will play for the Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran.

Earlier today, it was announced that PSL 11 will be held behind closed doors and at fewer venues.

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Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.

Lahore Qalandars Updated squad for PSL 11

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, and Shahab Khan.

READ: Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a revised schedule for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The tournament will begin with the opening match scheduled on March 26 between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

“The number of host venues for HBL PSL 11 has been streamlined from six to two. All matches will now be staged in Lahore and Karachi,” the board said in a press release statement.

“In the updated schedule 44 matches will be taking place in a space of 39 days with Lahore and Karachi each hosting 22 matches,” it added.

The qualifier will be played at the National Stadium Karachi, with the Eliminator 1, 2, and the final to be played at Gaddafi Stadium.

“The opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars remains intact, while Lahore will also see Eliminator 1, 2, and the final. Qualifier will be played in Karachi,” it added.

 

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The updated schedule comes after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that the league would be held behind closed doors amid austerity measures taken in light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

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Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL 11 set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

He also expressed regret over the change in plans but emphasised that the board would aim to deliver high-quality coverage to ensure fans remain engaged.

Despite the changes, the tournament will continue to run until May 3, with the PCB opting to proceed with the league while adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

READ: Major update regarding Maxwell’s availability for PSL 11

Hyderabad Kingsmen owner Fawad Sarwar provided an update on the availability of star batter Glenn Maxwell for Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

The tournament will run from March 26 behind closed doors across two venues in Pakistan.

Sarwar confirmed during a live stream on the franchise’s social handle that Maxwell will be available during the second half of the tournament.

“Due to the geopolitical situation, Maxwell will join Hyderabad Kingsmen in the second half and will stay until the end of the season,” Sarwar said.

This will be the talismanic batter’s first appearance in the PSL, having previously represented several teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Glenn Maxwell, 37, has extensive experience with 129 T20I matches and scored 2,897 runs at a strike rate of 158.42.

Overall, he has played 502 T20s, amassing 10,986 runs at an average of 27.53, including eight centuries and 58 half-centuries. The right-hander has also recorded the highest score of 154.

For those unaware, PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

Hyderabad Kingsmen will play their debut match against the defending champions Lahore Qalandars at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11:

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

READ: Spinners help South Africa level T20I series against New Zealand

South Africa’s spinners played a decisive role as the tourists won the fourth Twenty20 international against New Zealand by 19 runs on Sunday to square the five-match series 2-2.

New Zealand were well placed to clinch the series midway through their chase in Wellington after the Proteas scored 164-5.

However, from 88-3 after 10 overs, they lost wickets in rapid succession to be all out for 145 off 18.5 overs.

It sends the series, played between weakened sides from both countries, to a decider in Christchurch on Wednesday.

The match swung in favour of South Africa when spinners Keshav Maharaj and Prenelan Subrayen turned the screws through the middle stages of the chase.

Captain Maharaj is comfortably the most experienced member of an experimental tour squad and proved hard to score from as he took 2-22 off four overs.

Subrayen, playing his first T20 international, bowled Dane Cleaver for 26 to spark New Zealand’s middle order crumble and finished with 2-13 off three overs.

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Maharaj said his side played with more energy than in defeats in Hamilton and Auckland.

“It was a perfect response to two disappointing losses in a row,” he said.

“Coming into this game, you could see there was a little bit more energy and hunger.

“We are a young team, finding our way in international cricket so it takes a little bit of time.”

Opener Tim Robinson top-scored with 32 for New Zealand while Proteas paceman Gerald Coetzee took 3-31.

South Africa’s innings were dominated by 57 off 36 balls from wicketkeeper Connor Esterhuizen.

He was dismissed by a spectacular outfield catch from Katene Clarke, on his international debut, off Ben Sears’ bowling.

Paceman Sears impressed, taking 1-22 off four overs, which included conceding just two runs off the last over of the innings.

READ: Karachi Kings add emerging batter Haroon Arshad for PSL 11

Karachi Kings have added emerging top-order batter Haroon Arshad to Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 squad.

The signing was confirmed through the franchise’s social handles in an animated poster.

“Welcoming our newest star. After shining in domestic cricket with 3 First-Class hundreds, Pakistan U19 sensation Haroon Arshad is now ready to shine brightest on the PSL stage,” Kings wrote on ‘X’.

 

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The 20-year-old has represented Pakistan U19 and scored his maiden first-class century on debut while returning for Karachi Blues in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26.

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He ended his impressive debut season with 748 runs in 13 matches at an average of 29.92 with the help of three centuries.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

The decision comes as an austerity measure in the wake of the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel’s war on Iran and aimed at fuel saving measures.

The opening match will be played between the defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Karachi Kings will open their campaign against Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on March 28.

Updated Karachi Kings squad for PSL 11:

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, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Bin Tanveer, Reeza Hendricks, Haroon Arshad, Muhammad Waseem, Ihsanullah, and Rizwanullah.

Karachi Kings fixtures:

27 March – vs Quetta Gladiators, Lahore
29 March – vs Lahore Qalandars, Lahore
2 April – vs RawalPindiz, Rawalpindi
9 April – vs Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi
11 April – vs Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi
16 April – vs Islamabad United, Karachi
19 April – vs Multan Sultans, Lahore
22 April – vs Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore
23 April – vs Lahore Qalandars, Lahore
25 April – vs Quetta Gladiators, Lahore

READ: Naqvi confirms action against players withdrawing from PSL

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has decided to take legal action against players who pulled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Naqvi addressed the issue regarding players leaving PSL to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

“We are aware that two to three players have left, and we are taking legal action regarding this,” he told reporters during a press conference.

“However, if you look at previous years and this year, as well as last year, the number of Category A players coming from regions with tensions has remained steady,” he maintained.

The chairman highlighted the players’ pool while downplaying the clash with IPL.

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“Players who had never participated before have also started coming, and the IPL clash is not a major reason for us.”

“If all the top players are going there, we are also seeing good players coming to us,” Mohsin Naqvi explained.

It is worth mentioning that this will be the second consecutive year that the PSL will run concurrently with the IPL in a parallel window.

Earlier today, Lahore Qalandars bought Dasun Shanaka pulled out of PSL 11 to play in the IPL. The all-rounder replaced injured Sam Curran in the Rajasthan Royals.

Besides Shanaka, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has also joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Muzarabani went unsold in the PSL 11 auction but was later picked by Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph.

However, after an impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he was roped in by the KKR.

PSL 11 will be played from March 26 behind closed doors at two venues, Lahore and Karachi.

The opening match will be played between the defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

READ: Dasun Shanaka set to leave PSL for IPL move

Dasun Shanaka is set to play for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 despite being bought by Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 auction.

According to Cricinfo, the all-rounder has informed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 franchise Lahore Qalandars about the decision with the formalities of the move being completed.

Shanaka was bought by Qalandars for PKR 75 lakh in the auction held earlier this year.

Sri Lanka’s T20I captain will become the second player, after Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani, to leave PSL and play in the IPL.

Muzarabani went unsold in the PSL 11 auction but was later picked by Islamabad United as a replacement for Shamar Joseph.

However, after an impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he was roped in by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

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Earlier today, it was announced that PSL 11 will be held behind closed doors and at fewer venues.

Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

“The opening ceremony of the league has been cancelled,” he said, adding, “The tournament will begin directly with the match.”

For those unaware, defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.

READ: PSL 11: Karachi Kings announce Johnson Charles replacement

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major overhaul to the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, confirming that the tournament will now be staged at only two venues, Karachi and Lahore, with initial matches set to be played without spectators.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed the decision during a press conference on Sunday, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions and an emerging oil crisis as key factors behind the move.

Originally, six cities, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Peshawar, were scheduled to host matches in the expanded eight-team edition.

However, the board has now reduced the number of venues to just two in order to streamline logistics and address security concerns.

“After consultations with the Prime Minister and security agencies, we have decided that the PSL will begin on March 26 as planned,” Naqvi stated.

“Initially, matches will be held without crowds, and this will continue depending on the global situation.”

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Mohsin Naqvi also confirmed that the opening ceremony of the tournament has been cancelled, with PSL 11 set to begin directly with the opening match on March 26.

“The opening ceremony of the league has been cancelled,” he said, adding, “The tournament will begin directly with the match.”

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are scheduled to face Hyderabad Kingsmen at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium in the curtain-raiser.

The PCB chief acknowledged the disappointment for fans, particularly in cities like Peshawar and Faisalabad, which were set to host PSL matches for the first time.

He expressed regret over the change in plans but emphasised that the board would aim to deliver high-quality coverage to ensure fans remain engaged.

Naqvi added that a revised schedule reflecting the updated venues will be released in due course.

Despite the changes, the tournament will continue to run until May 3, with the PCB opting to proceed with the league while adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

READ: PSL 11: Karachi Kings announce Johnson Charles replacement

South Africa opener Reeza Hendricks has replaced West Indies Johnson Charles in the Karachi Kings squad for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The announcement was made through the franchise’s social media handles.

Adding firepower to the #KingsSquad. Reeza Hendricks hops on board for the season ahead,” the caption of the post read.

The outfit wished Charles the best of luck, as he will miss the upcoming season due to personal reasons.

“He joins the squad as a replacement for Johnson Charles, who will miss the season due to personal reasons. We wish him all the very best,” it added.

Hendricks previously turned out for Multan Sultans in PSL 9, playing eight matches and scoring 304 runs at an average of 43.42.

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Overall, the 36-year-old has played 296 T20s, accumulating 8372 runs with the help of five centuries and 64 half-centuries. He also has the highest score of 117 to his name.

The PSL 11 will be played from March 26 to May 4 across six venues in Pakistan.

Karachi Kings will play their opening fixture against Quetta Gladiators on March 27 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

A total of 44 matches will be played in the tournament, with the opening match scheduled between the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, and Hyderabad Kingsmen, making their debut.

Karachi Kings Squad

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, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Bin Tanveer, Reeza Hendricks, Muhammad Waseem, Ihsanullah, and Rizwanullah.

READ: Babar, Shaheen urged to take break from cricket

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has suggested that star duo Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi should take a break from cricket to regain their form.

Azhar, who played 97 Tests and 53 ODIs for Pakistan, shared his views on both players during the ‘Sports Room’ Eid Special programme.

During the show, Azhar was asked a series of questions in rapid-fire round.  When the host sought his advice for Babar and Shaheen, he suggested that both take time off from international cricket.

“Babar should take a six-month break from international cricket,” he said.

“He [Shaheen] should also take three months’ rest so that he gathers his fitness. I feel that if he takes two or three months break, he will be a great bowler,” he added.

The host then asked what suggestion you would give to [Director of the High Performance Center] Aqib Javed after a recent press conference. Azhar said that he should keep focusing on achieving his key objectives regarding academies.

‘He [Shaheen] should also take three months’ rest. I feel that if he takes rest, he would be a great bowler.

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The 41-year-old was also asked to pick the better captain among Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Babar Azam.

”Babar [Azam],” he replied.

For the unversed, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have been in the spotlight due to their underwhelming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The leading run scorer in T20Is managed only 91 runs in six matches, averaging 22.75 with 46 his highest score.

As a result, he was not picked in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh. However, Aqib Javed later revealed that the batter was not fit for the mega event.

Meanwhile, Shaheen took eight wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 10.52.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan cricketers share Eid-ul-Fitr greetings