Category: Top News

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday officially announced the final squads and detailed schedule for the upcoming National T20 Cup 2026.

The tournament will commence on Saturday, March 7, with the semi-finals slated for March 17 and the final scheduled a day later on March 18.

A total of 23 matches will be played at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, which previously hosted nine Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixtures in October and November 2025.

This year’s competition will feature 10 regional sides: Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Karachi Whites, Karachi Blues, Lahore Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan and Sialkot.

Group A comprises Lahore Whites, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi Whites and Bahawalpur.

Meanwhile, defending champions Lahore Blues headline Group B alongside Sialkot, Multan, Abbottabad and Karachi Blues.

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The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

During the group stage, two matches will be played daily from March 7 to 16. The first fixture will begin at 4:15pm PKT, followed by the second at 9:15pm PKT. The final is set to start at 8:00pm PKT, with the toss scheduled for 7:30pm.

The squads feature a mix of seasoned internationals, emerging prospects and guest players, promising a highly competitive tournament.

Abbottabad will be led by Khalid Usman and include notable names such as Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Shadab Khan as guest players.

Bahawalpur will be captained by Muhammad Imran, with Haider Ali and Daniyal Hussain Rajput among their guest inclusions.

Faisalabad, under Muhammad Irfan Khan, boast the services of Asif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mubasir Khan and Zaman Khan.

Karachi Whites will be spearheaded by Saud Shakeel and feature Shan Masood and Saim Ayub, while Karachi Blues, captained by Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, include Shahnawaz Dahani and Mehran Mumtaz among their ranks.

Defending champions Lahore Blues will be led by Saad Nasim, while Lahore Whites will be captained by Aamir Jamal.

Multan have named Imam-ul-Haq as captain, with Aamir Yamin and Faisal Akram part of their setup.

Peshawar will be led by Mohammad Rizwan and feature Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Haris and Abbas Afridi.

Sialkot, under Usama Mir, include Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Ali among their key players.

National T20 Cup Squads

Abbottabad

Khalid Usman (captain), Afaq Ahmed, Ahmed Khan, Arshad Iqbal, Atizaz Habib Khan, Fayyaz Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah (Guest), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Guest), Mohammad Mohsin Khan, Razaullah, Sajjad Ali (wk), Shadab Khan (Guest), Shahab Khan and Shahzaib Khan (U21)

Reserves: Hamid Ali, Adil Naz, Fakhar Zaman, Afaq Khan, Riazullah (U21)

Bahawalpur

Muhammad Imran (captain), Ali Shabbir (U21), Daniyal Hussain Rajput (Guest), Mohammad Faizan Zafar, Haider Ali (Guest), Hasnain Majid (U21), Khaqan Basheer, Mohammad Akram (wk), Mohammad Azab, Mohammad Basit, Mohammad Junaid, Muhammad Sarwar Afridi (Guest), Mohammad Sudais, Mohammad Umair and Saad Khan (Guest)

Reserves: Ali Hamza Waseem, Aoun Shahzad, Mohammad Faizan (U21), Amjad Ali, Gulfam Aziz

Faisalabad

Muhammad Irfan Khan (captain), Ahmad Safi Abdullah, Afaq Afridi (Guest), Asif Ali, Asim Ali Nasir (wk), Atiq-ur-Rehman, Daniyal Ali Khan (U21), Faham-ul-Haq (U21), Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Faizan, Mohammad Zeeshan (U21), Momin Qamar (U21), Mubasir Khan (Guest), Muhammad Awais Zafar and Zaman Khan (Guest)

Reserves: Mudassir Zunair, Ali Shan, Ali Asfand, Taimur Sultan, Shehzad Gul

Karachi Whites

Saud Shakeel (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arif Yaqoob, Danish Aziz, Haroon Arshad (U21), Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Asghar, Muhammad Hamza Sohail, Muhammad Umar, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rizwanullah, Saifullah Bangash (wk), Saim Ayub, Saqib Khan and Shan Masood

Reserves: Asadullah Hamza, Muhammad Tariq Khan, Sohail Khan (wk), Mir Hamza, Huzaifa Ahsan

Karachi Blues

Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (captain, wk), Ahsan Ali, Asad Akhtar, Jahandad Khan (Guest), Jahanzaib Sultan, Khalil Ahmed (Guest), Mehran Mumtaz (Guest), Mohammad Taha, Muhammad Usman Raheem, Rameez Aziz, Rehman Ghani, Saad Baig (wk), Shahnawaz Dahani (Guest), Syed Shah Raza Naqvi and Wahaj Riaz

Reserves: Aarish Ali Khan, Raza Chandio, Mohammad Makki, Niqab Shafiq, Huzaifa Munir

Lahore Blues

Saad Nasim (captain), Abdullah Asif (U21), Ahmed Bashir, Ali Hassan Baloch (U21), Ali Razzaq, Asadullah, Attyab Ahmed, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Hunain Shah, Imran Butt, Mohammad Rizwan, Nisar Ahmed, Qasim Akram, Shahid Aziz (Guest) and Umar Siddiq

Reserves: Hammad Butt, Shahrukh Ali, Khawaja Mohammad Abdullah (wk), Mohammad Ahsan, Abubakar (U21)

Lahore Whites

Aamir Jamal (captain), Ali Raza, Ali Shahid Butt, Farhan Yousuf (U21), Imran Dogar, Junaid Ali (wk), Kamran Afzal, Mohammad Faiq, Muhammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Mohsin, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Muhammad Saleem, Samama Riaz, Tayyab Tahir and Ubaid Shah

Reserves: Hamza Nawaz (U21), Muhammad Arsalan (U21), Usama Tariq, Zahid Khan, Zian Bin Farooq (wk)

Multan

Imam-ul-Haq (captain), Aamir Yamin, Ali Majid, Ali Usman, Bismillah Khan (Guest, wk), Faisal Akram, Hasan Hafeez, Mohammad Ismail (U21), Mohammad Naeem (Guest), Muhammad Shahzad, Moheer Saeed, Sharoon Siraj, Sirajuddin, Waseem Akram Jnr and Zain Abbas

Reserves: Uzair Mumtaz, Abdul Wahab (U21), Mohammad Shan (U21), Saim Ayaz, Alam Zaib Khan (wk)

Peshawar

Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wk), Ahmed Hussain (U21), Azam Khan, Ihsanullah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Israrullah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Shoaib (U21), Mohammad Imran Jnr, Nabi Gul, Sajid Khan, Usman Tariq, Waqar Ahmed and Yasir Khan

Reserves: Nizar Ali, Muhammad Amir Khan, Abuzar Tariq, Muhammad Amir Barki

Sialkot

Usama Mir (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Ahmad Hassan, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, Ali Afzal (wk), Athar Mehmood, Azan Awais, Hamza Nazar, Khawaja Arham, Mirza Tahir Baig, Mohsin Riaz (wk), Mohammad Ali, Saeed Ali, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr and Tayyab Arif

Reserves: Aashir Mehmood, Mohammad Hurraira, Shahzad Bhatti, Abdul Subhan, Awais Ali, Afzaal Manzoor

Hasan Nawaz and Sufyan Moqim will join the squad later.

READ: Babar Azam out as Pakistan name ODI squad for Bangladesh series

DUBAI: Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has surged to second place in the latest ICC T20I batters’ rankings following a historic run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, narrowing the gap on India’s Abhishek Sharma.

Farhan finished the tournament with a staggering 383 runs at an average of 76.60, the most by any batter in a single edition of the T20 World Cup.

In doing so, he also became the only player to score two centuries in one T20 World Cup campaign.

The prolific right-hander climbed one position to second in the rankings with 848 rating points.

Despite enduring a relatively quiet tournament, Abhishek Sharma continues to hold the top spot, while England’s Phil Salt has slipped to third.

While Farhan enjoyed a meteoric rise, several other Pakistani batters witnessed a dip. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam each dropped one place to 35th and 37th, respectively. T20I captain Salman Ali Agha fell three spots to 41st.

However, Fakhar Zaman made a notable jump, climbing 17 places to 71st after his blistering 84-run knock against Sri Lanka in the final Super Eights fixture. He now sits on 481 rating points.

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In the bowlers’ rankings, Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed advanced two places to third with 736 points, edging closer to India’s Varun Chakaravarthy, who occupies the top position. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan remains second.

Mohammad Nawaz retained his 12th spot, while pacer Salman Mirza dropped three places to 21st. Shaheen Shah Afridi slipped four positions to 35th with 602 points.

Spinner Usman Tariq held firm at 55th, and Sufiyan Muqeem stayed at 60th. Saim Ayub, who features in the bowling rankings as well, fell to 67th.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan dropped seven places to 72nd, while pacer Haris Rauf slid three spots to 84th. Abbas Afridi currently sits at 98th with 415 points.

In the all-rounders’ category, Saim Ayub slipped one position to third, paving the way for India’s Hardik Pandya to move up to second. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza continues to lead the standings.

Mohammad Nawaz climbed one place to eighth, while Shadab Khan dropped to 22nd. Faheem Ashraf and Salman Ali Agha both slipped three spots to 55th and 56th, respectively, and Shaheen Afridi fell two places to 65th.

READ: WATCH: PSL 11 logo unveiled ahead historic eight-team season

LAHORE: The countdown to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 has officially begun after the league unveiled its new logo for the upcoming edition on Wednesday.

The PSL’s official X account revealed the branding on Tuesday, creatively incorporating the Urdu word for eleven (گیارہ), with the numeral “11” seamlessly embedded into the design.

 

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The logo reflects both tradition and modernity, signalling the start of what promises to be a landmark campaign for the marquee T20 tournament.

PSL season 11 is scheduled to get underway on March 26 at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, with organisers finalising preparations for an expanded and restructured competition.

This year’s edition will be historic for multiple reasons. For the first time, the league will feature eight teams, marking a major expansion in its structure.

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PSL 11 also introduces a significant shift in its player recruitment model, replacing the traditional draft system with an auction format.

In the tournament opener, defending champions Lahore Qalandars will face tournament debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen. The match will be preceded by a colourful opening ceremony in Lahore.

In another notable development ahead of the season, the franchise that initially operated as Sialkot Stallionz has officially been rebranded as Multan Sultans.

READ: Babar Azam out as Pakistan name ODI squad for Bangladesh series

Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has sustained a hamstring tendon injury during club action, though his availability for the FIFA World Cup 2026 does not appear to be in serious doubt at this stage.

Ronaldo picked up the injury during Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League last month.

The 41-year-old forward was substituted in the 81st minute after showing visible discomfort, with television cameras later capturing him on the bench applying an ice pack to his right hamstring.

What initially seemed like a minor concern has since been confirmed as a muscle injury.

Following medical examinations conducted on March 3, Al Nassr released an official statement confirming the issue and outlining the next steps in his recovery.

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The club stated that Ronaldo “has started a rehabilitation programme and his condition will be assessed day by day,” adding that he is currently undergoing a specialised recovery plan.

According to various media reports, the Portugal captain is expected to be sidelined for between two and four weeks.

If the projected timeline holds, he should return to full fitness well before the World Cup kicks off across the United States, Mexico and Canada on June 11.

At present, Ronaldo is highly unlikely to feature in Al Nassr’s upcoming league fixture against Neom SC on March 7, with the focus firmly placed on ensuring a complete recovery rather than rushing him back into action.

Ronaldo, who has previously represented European giants Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, is in line to feature in a record sixth World Cup.

READ: Brazilian winger Rodrygo set to miss World Cup with knee injury

Real Madrid said Tuesday their winger Rodrygo Goes has suffered a severe knee injury, which will keep him out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Brazil this summer.

“Following the tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by Real Madrid’s medical services, he has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and a tear of the lateral meniscus in his right leg,” said Real Madrid in a statement.

Rodrygo appeared as a substitute in Madrid’s 1-0 home La Liga defeat by Getafe on Monday, where he sustained the injury.

The 25-year-old stayed on the pitch, but tests revealed the severity of his injury on Tuesday.

Rodrygo had only just returned to action after a month out with tendonitis.

“One of the worst days of my life, how much I always feared this injury… maybe life has been a bit cruel to me lately,” Rodrygo wrote on Instagram later Tuesday.

“I don’t know if I deserve this, but what do I have to complain about? How many wonderful things have I already experienced that I also didn’t deserve?”

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The winger said his “dream” of competing at the World Cup this summer was over.

“A major obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, one that keeps me from doing what I love most for a while,” he continued.

“I’m out for the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream which everyone knows how much it means to me. And all that’s left is for me to be strong as always.”

Carlo Ancelotti, formerly Rodrygo’s coach at Real Madrid, will not be able to call on the forward for record five-time winners Brazil’s bid to secure a sixth World Cup trophy this summer in the United States.

Real Madrid will also miss the forward, particularly with French forward Kylian Mbappe currently sidelined because of a knee sprain.

Alvaro Arbeloa only has three fit attackers available, in Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono, ahead of next week’s Champions League last 16 clash against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu.

READ: Fakhar Zaman doubtful for ODI series against Bangladesh

LAHORE: Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh have suffered an early setback, with veteran opener Fakhar Zaman likely to miss the three-match assignment due to a hamstring injury.

According to reports, the left-handed batter is currently undergoing rehabilitation after picking up the injury, casting serious doubt over his availability for the tour.

While no official confirmation has been issued yet, indications suggest that the 35-year-old may not recover in time for the series.

Pakistan are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on March 9, with all three ODIs set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on March 11, 13 and 15.

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Fakhar Zaman had a restricted outing at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, featuring in just two matches. He missed Pakistan’s group-stage fixtures against the Netherlands, USA, India and Namibia before returning for the Super Eights.

Despite limited opportunities, the experienced opener made his presence felt. He struck a brisk 25 against England and followed it up with a scintillating 84 off 42 deliveries against Sri Lanka, smashing nine fours and four sixes in a commanding knock.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh tour itself remains under observation amid ongoing regional tensions. Sources suggest the series will proceed only if the prevailing situation does not escalate into travel or security concerns.

Schedule of Pakistan-Bangladesh series

• First ODI – March 11
• Second ODI – March 13
• Third ODI – March 15
• First Test – May 8 to 12
• Second Test – May 16 to 20

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed set to be appointed as Pakistan Test head coach: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the Test head coach, with an official announcement expected in the coming days, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

According to reports, Sarfaraz is likely to begin his tenure during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May.

The Test head coach position has remained vacant since the departure of Azhar Mahmood in October 2025.

Azhar had been appointed interim head coach in June 2025, with his contract initially set to run until March 2026.

He oversaw Pakistan’s home series against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw against the reigning world Test champions.

However, with no red-ball assignments scheduled until the Bangladesh tour in 2026, both Azhar and the PCB mutually agreed to conclude his tenure earlier than planned.

Before stepping into the interim role, Azhar had served as an all-formats assistant coach since April 2024.

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Sarfaraz’s elevation comes on the back of his recent stint as mentor of Pakistan’s Under-19 side.

Under his guidance, Pakistan clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 title after defeating India in the final, a triumph that significantly strengthened his credentials for a senior role.

However, the team fell short at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, exiting at the Super Six stage without reaching the semi-finals.

Sources suggest the PCB views the leadership experience of Sarfaraz Ahmed as a key factor in entrusting him with the Test side.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour Bangladesh in May for a two-match Test series, with the first Test beginning on May 8 and the second on May 16.

A seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, the 38-year-old has been one of Pakistan’s reliable performers in the longer format. In 54 Tests, he has scored 3,031 runs at an average of 37.41, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries.

In One Day Internationals, Sarfaraz accumulated 2,315 runs in 117 matches at 33.55, registering two centuries and 11 fifties. He also represented Pakistan in 61 T20Is, scoring 818 runs at a strike rate of 125.26.

READ: Ali Tareen reacts to Multan Sultans’ return to PSL

Former Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen has publicly thanked Gohar Shah for restoring the franchise to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Gohar Shah-led CD Ventures had taken control of the Sialkot Stallionz franchise, originally purchased by OZ Developers for Rs 1.85 billion during January’s PSL auction.

The development was announced in a joint press conference in Lahore attended by PSL CEO Salman Naseer and OZ Developers’ Hamza Majeed.

Naseer revealed that following the takeover and restructuring, the franchise’s valuation has now risen to Rs 2 billion annually. He also confirmed that, at Shah’s request, Sialkot Stallionz would be rebranded as Multan Sultans.

Taking to his official X account, Ali Tareen reflected on his time with the franchise and the emotional impact of Multan’s removal from the PSL.

“After seven years with Multan Sultans, I left with no regrets. That chapter of my life gave me some of my proudest moments, and I will always be grateful for it,” he wrote.

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“The only moment that truly affected me was when Multan was removed from the league. That hurt. More than anything. Not because of what it meant for me, but because of what it meant for the fans and the people of South Punjab.”

Tareen highlighted the team’s significance for the region, describing the Sultans as more than just a cricket side.

“South Punjab has always been underrepresented. Its people are passionate, talented, and deserve every platform they can get,” he wrote.

“Multan Sultans was never just a cricket team. It was a symbol of pride for an entire region that has long been overlooked.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude to Gohar Shah for reviving the franchise.

“I want to thank Gohar Shah for fighting for the people of South Punjab and bringing Multan Sultans back to the PSL,” he stated.

“The city has its team again. South Punjab has its voice again.”

READ: Shahid Afridi comments on reports of players being fined by PCB

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has weighed in on the ongoing debate over alleged fines imposed on national team players following their disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

In a recent interview with a local news channel, Afridi suggested that sending underperforming players back to first-class cricket and allowing them adequate rest would be a more effective response than imposing financial penalties.

“They are thinking small, wondering what can be done with 5 million. In my opinion, this isn’t really a fine,” Afridi stated.

“Those who haven’t performed should be sent to first-class cricket. There are some players whom I believe shouldn’t come back for at least 2 years. In my view, these punishments are enough.”

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He also emphasised the importance of making team adjustments and managing players’ workloads rather than relying solely on fines.

“Those who need rest should be given rest, and changes should be made within the players. These punishments are sufficient; the 5 million is enough. And as far as I know, no official statement has come from the PCB regarding this,” Afridi added.

Afridi’s remarks come in the wake of media reports claiming that Pakistan’s squad, which exited the T20 World Cup after failing to reach the semi-finals, has been fined Rs5 million per player for underperformance.

READ: ‘New Sultans have arrived’: Gohar Shah addresses fans after Multan takeover

Multan Sultans’ new owner, Syed Gohar Shah, has issued an emotional statement to fans after his company, CD Ventures, successfully acquired a majority stake in the franchise ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11.

Earlier in the day, it was confirmed that Gohar Shah-led CD Ventures had taken control of the Sialkot Stallionz franchise, originally purchased by OZ Developers for Rs 1.85 billion during January’s PSL auction.

The development was announced in a joint press conference in Lahore attended by PSL CEO Salman Naseer and outgoing franchise owner Hamza Majeed.

Naseer revealed that following the takeover and restructuring, the franchise’s valuation has now risen to Rs 2 billion annually. He also confirmed that, at Shah’s request, Sialkot Stallionz would be rebranded as Multan Sultans.

In a heartfelt message directed at the people of South Punjab and PSL supporters worldwide, Shah described the return of Multan Sultans as a moment of “profound pride and incredible joy.”

“Our beloved Multan Sultans, the true representatives of our region, are officially back in the HBL PSL,” he said.

Recalling his earliest cricketing memories from Jalalpur Pirwala, Shah painted a nostalgic picture of village matches and the unity they fostered.

“My mind goes back to my very first memory of cricket in my village, a local match at one of Haveli Lang’s school grounds, Jalalpur Pirwala versus Balewala,” he shared.

“I still vividly remember the uplifting atmosphere in the village that day, especially after the final ball was bowled. The joy, the unity, and the sheer energy of that community are feelings I have carried with me ever since.”

He explained that his motivation behind acquiring the franchise rested on two key pillars: protecting regional representation and elevating the standard of cricket.

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“I wanted to ensure that no one could strip our region of its right to be represented on Pakistan’s biggest stage,” he stated.

“I want us to play a brand of cricket that is not only thrilling to watch but also strengthens the foundation of Pakistan’s cricketing ecosystem, helping us compete and dominate on the global stage.”

Gohar Shah urged fans to rally behind the team, reminding them of the franchise’s remarkable record, four finals in the last five PSL seasons.

“We held the line to save this team, and now we expect you to hold the stands,” he said. “Going forward, we need your absolute support and complete buy-in.”

The new owner extended special thanks to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, for what he described as decisive leadership in facilitating the franchise’s swift return.

He also acknowledged Salman Naseer for his instrumental role in finalising the transition, as well as his father, Barrister Najaf Shah, and adviser Imran Ahmad Khan for guiding the acquisition process.

Shah further appreciated his internal team for working “day and night” to complete the deal just weeks before the start of PSL 11.

In a notable gesture, he also thanked the Tareen family for their contributions in building the franchise into one of the league’s powerhouses.

“I must also take a moment to thank the Tareen family for the immense work they put into building this franchise into the powerhouse it is today,” he said.

Gihar Shah concluded his message with a rallying cry to supporters: “It is time, Multan. The new Sultans have arrived.”

READ: Lahore Qalandars to face THIS team in PSL 11 opener