Tag: Karachi Kings

Fast bowler Hasan Ali has been retained by the 2020 winners of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Karachi Kings ahead of the historic auction, scheduled to be held on February 11.

The Kings shared the retentions update in an animated poster on their social media accounts.

“Core secured. The KingsSquad starts strong as we present our top four retentions for HBL PSL 11,” the caption wrote.

 

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Hasan and Abbas Afridi are retained in the Platinum and Diamond categoryies respectively. All-rounder Khushdil Shah is retained in Gold, while Saad Baig is in the Emerging category.

The Kings have picked Khushdil Shah among the other players in Gold — Aamer Jamal, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Omair bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Arafat Minhas.

All-rounder Abbas Afridi was picked over Test skipper Shan Masood, whereas Saad emerged as a pick in the emerging category, which included Riazahullah, Fawad Ali, and Saad Baig.

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Under the new structure, each franchise may retain up to four players, with one player per category.

This time, teams are not allowed to retain up to eight players, and have other provisions, such as mentors, brand ambassadors, and the Right to Match (RTM) option, which has been in the rules since the inception of PSL.

For the upcoming season, the PCB has also abolished the mentor, brand ambassador, and RTM clauses altogether, streamlining the squad-building process ahead of the auction.

The PSL 11 will get underway on March 26, 2026, and will mark Faisalabad’s first-ever stint as a host city. The venue will join Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, expanding the league to five host cities.

READ: Islamabad United retentions revealed ahead of PSL 11

LAHORE: The franchise rights for one of the most prominent and widely followed teams of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Karachi Kings, will remain with their current owners for the next decade, following the successful renewal of their franchise agreement on Tuesday.

The owners of the 2020 PSL champions have reaffirmed their long-term commitment by extending the agreement at the updated market valuation determined by Ernst & Young, one of the world’s most credible and respected audit and advisory firms.

The renewal highlights the trust that partners continue to place in the HBL PSL’s upward commercial trajectory and solid brand presence, as the league prepares to welcome eight teams from season 11 onward.

“It is a pleasure to announce that Karachi Kings will continue with their existing owners for another 10 years,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“Mr. Salman Iqbal and his team have played a pivotal role in elevating the stature of the HBL PSL and in building a franchise that commands a passionate following across the country and beyond.

 

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“Their decision to renew reflects the enduring strength and potential of the league.

“Karachi Kings have consistently contributed to the league’s growth and to the promotion of cricket in Pakistan.

“We look forward to strengthening this partnership and further advancing our shared vision for the development of the game.”

PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer also lavished praise on the management and owners of Karachi Kings for collaborating and extending the partnership for the next 10 years.

“Karachi Kings have been an integral part of the HBL PSL’s journey, bringing energy, ambition and excellence to the league season after season,” said Naseer.

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“We are delighted to continue working with Salman Iqbal and his management team over the next decade and hope that he continues to contribute beyond the call of duty.

“Their belief in the HBL PSL and their efforts in promoting cricket and nurturing talent are deeply appreciated.

“We are excited about this renewed partnership and the bright future it promises for both Karachi Kings and the league.”

Karachi Kings lifted their maiden PSL title in 2020 and remain one of the league’s most recognisable and commercially influential franchises.

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LAHORE: Abdullah Shafique’s and Fakhar Zaman’s enterprising knocks powered Lahore Qalandars to a victory over Karachi Kings in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of four wickets with eight balls to spare.

Lahore Qalandars had a similar start to Karachi Kings as they scored 42 runs in the first four overs, until Mohammad Naeem’s wicket. He was caught on long-on after scoring 14 off 12 with the help of a boundary and a six.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman partnered with Abdullah Shafique to ensure that the required run rate remains under control.

The notable highlight of his innings was emerging bowler Fawad Ali’s over, in which he scored 16 runs, which brought the score to 60-1 at the end of the powerplay.

However, Fakhar fell on the first ball of the ninth over, after scoring 47 off 28 balls, laced with three sixes and five boundaries.

The wicket did bring the Kings back into the game, but it was Abdullah Shafique’s and Kusal Perar’s stand that took the game away from them. The duo stitched an 83-run partnership, bringing the score to 158 in 15.2 overs.

Abdullah Shafique fell for an enterprising 35-ball 65 runs, with the help of five sixes and four fours. Perera, on the other end, remained firm and forged a brief stand with his counterpart, Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

He perished in the 19th over after scoring 30 off 24 balls, featuring two sixes and a four, while Rajapaksa struck a six to take his team home.

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali bagged two wickets while Fawad Ali and Mir Hamza made one scalp apiece.

Earlier, David Warner’s brisk knock and Khushdil Shah’s cameo powered Karachi Kings to an impressive total

Opting to bat first, Kings posted 190 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The Kings’ openers provided a strong start as they raced to 43 at the end of four overs, losing Tim Seifert in the process.

David Warner was the core aggressor, while Seifert (16 off eight) did well to hold one end firm.

James Vince joined Warner, notching up a 31-run stand, bringing the score to 74 at the end of the seventh over. Vince was caught on deep mid-wicket off Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling.

The wicket, however, did not halt the Kings’ momentum as Warner’s onslaught continued, thanks to drop catches from the Qalandars. Saad Baig was the next to go, falling cheaply on the score of 11, reducing Karachi Kings to 99-3 at the end of the 11th over.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Following the dismissal, in-form batter Irfan Khan partnered with Warner, adding a 38-run stand for the fifth wicket. The partnership set the tone for a big total as the Kings reached 137 in 14.3 overs.

At this moment, Lahore Qalandars came back into the game despite sloppy fielding, removing Irfan Khan and well well-set David Warner in successive overs.

Irfan went after scoring 18 off 12 while Warner was finally caught on 75 off 52 balls, an innings peppered with eight fours and three sixes.

The middle overs jolted Kings’ scoring rate as they reached 163 in the 18th over as Qalandars struck twice, first removing Mohammad Nabi (16 off 10) and then Abbas Afridi (2 off two).

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However, it was Khushdil Shah’s 14-ball 27 that took Karachi Kings to a strong total. He smashed three fours and two sixes in an enterprising knock.

For Lahore Qalandars, Haris Rauf was the standout bowler, taking three for 35 in his quota of four overs, while Shaheen Afridi scalped two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (cap), Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf

Karachi Kings: David Warner (cap), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Fawad Ali, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza

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LAHORE: Karachi Kings have won the toss and opted to bat first against Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (cap), Salman Mirza, Zaman Khan, Haris Rauf

Karachi Kings: David Warner (cap), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Fawad Ali, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, Mir Hamza

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Lahore Qalandars have received another major boost ahead of their PSL 10 Eliminator against arch-rivals Karachi Kings, with Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain rejoining the squad after completing national duty.

The franchise confirmed his arrival with a social media post, featuring a photo of the spinner and the caption: “LOOK WHO’S BACK!! It’s Rishad Hossain — back in the squad ahead of the all-important Eliminator against Karachi Kings.”

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Rishad, who has quickly made his mark in his debut PSL season, has been a key weapon for the Qalandars during the middle overs.

In just five matches, he has picked up nine wickets at an average of 16.44, showcasing impressive control under pressure.

His return couldn’t have come at a better time for Shaheen Afridi’s side, who are set to take on Karachi Kings in a high-stakes knockout fixture on Thursday, May 22, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The Qalandars now feature a trio of Bangladeshi cricketers in their setup. Just a day earlier, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined the squad as a replacement for Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who departed to represent his national side in a four-day Test against England.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan, sees this PSL opportunity as a chance to prove his T20 credentials and push for a national recall.

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LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ fast bowler Mir Hamza has expressed optimism ahead of a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the  Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 eliminator.

Karachi Kings will face Lahore Qalandars on Thursday in the Eliminator of PSL 10 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Talking to the media here on Wednesday, Mir Hamza, who suffered an injury scare during the clash against Peshawar Zalmi, declared himself fully fit ahead of the highly anticipated match.

“I’m completely fit. Everyone had been asking about my fitness,” Hamza told reporters.

Despite an injury scare, Hamza featured in the game against Islamabad United, returning with the figures of one for 41 in his four overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I’ve played a game since returning from injury, and I’m feeling good. Lahore vs Karachi games are always exciting — both teams are major PSL rivals,” he remarked.

Looking ahead to the contest, Mir Hamza said the atmosphere will be thrilling while mentioning the weather and pitch conditions.

“Tomorrow’s game will be good. We’ll enjoy it. The whole of Pakistan is our home ground, so the pressure of home and away doesn’t affect us much.”

“Lahore’s team is good, and they’ve been playing here consistently. But conditions might have changed now; the weather has shifted quite a bit,” Mir Hamza observed.

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The left-arm pacer stressed that both bowlers and batters will have to perform well in the knockout encounter. He also emphasized national selection, admitting that he is ready for the opportunity.

“It’s an important match. Bowlers and batters both have to deliver.”

“Earlier, I used to worry about not being selected for the national team. But not anymore. Now the focus is on staying fit and being ready whenever the opportunity comes,” Mir Hamza said.

Hamza hailed Karachi Kings captain David Warner, stating that the team is also getting deeper insight into the Australian mindset.

“David Warner is a big name in cricket. Sharing the dressing room with him gives us the chance to learn positive things. We’re also getting insight into the Australian mindset,” he concluded.

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LAHORE: Asif Ali, Lahore Qalandars’ middle-order batter, has admitted the pressure in the high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator.

The two-time PSL champions Lahore Qalandars will take on Karachi Kings here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Asif emphasized knock-out stage pressure and stated that all the players can thrive under difficult situations.

“It’s the knockout stage and a big match, so naturally, there will be pressure,” Asif said. “However, all the players are professionals, and I don’t think anyone will let the pressure affect their performance,” he said.

The power-hitter shed light on Qalandars’ combination, admitting the fact that their batting had not clicked in previous matches. He also praised Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza for their contribution, stating they will be missed.

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“With the combination that has been made, hopefully, there will be good cricket. In the previous matches, batting was not going well, and the team combination has been made, hopefully, we will go with the same combination,” he explained

“Sam Billings was performing; when a player like him leaves, it affects the combination,” he added.

In the previous match at home, Lahore Qalandars lost by four wickets in a last-over thriller against Karachi Kings.

Asif Ali backed the team to do well while sharing insights into his future plans.

“If you lose a match, you review the errors and work on improving them. Every player has goals, and my focus remains on the upcoming games. If Pakistan or the selectors need me, I am ready to serve,” he said.

The right-hander reflected on his return to international cricket, expressing his desire to focus on the game.

“I am playing cricket and haven’t given much thought to a comeback, nor is it my primary goal right now. If the selectors needed me, they would have called me up. I believe they don’t need me at this moment,” Asif concluded.

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Scotland’s hard-hitting batter George Munsey is counting on his recent form and experience to bolster Karachi Kings as he gears up for his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut.

Munsey, 32, shed light on his cricketing journey and playing for Karachi Kings in PSL 10 during an exclusive interview.

The left-hander expressed excitement for joining Karachi Kings, noting that he had plenty of game time, which is really helpful.

“Look, it’s a fantastic opportunity to be here. Fresh from a Scotland series
and coming with plenty of game time, which is nice,” he said.

George Munsey emphasized integration in the Kings’ squad, praising management for making things simple. He further praised David Warner’s leadership and the clarity he brings to the table.

“It’s been really easy to settle in Karachi Kings. The coaching staff and management have made it super easy.

It has been a great experience so far, and I have played under David Warner before and know what I am expecting. I like the clarity that he brings as well,” Munsey added.

George Munsey addressed the tag ‘ Reverse sweeping demon’, admitting that this shot is indeed a valuable skill to possess.

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“I am not sure about how that name came about, but look, it’s just a shot that I love go into. When the opportunity presents itself, I think a really useful skill to have, so I really enjoyed playing it, he explained.

Speaking on Karachi Kings’ performance so far in PSL 10, he said that the team has done really well to get into this position, banking on past experience to contribute to the team.

“Karachi has done a fantastic job to get where they are now with the game in hand. There are a lot of players here whom I have played against in the past, whether it’s international or franchise cricket.

“Just look to use those experiences to formulate the best plans possible to win the games,” George Munsey said.

According to his Cricinfo profile, Munsey had dreams of becoming a professional golfer, and it was a golf scholarship to the Loretto School, just outside Edinburgh, that brought him to Scotland at age 13.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The explosive batter explained how playing Golf serves as a way to socialize informally with cricketers.

“I think playing golf just frees up the swing. Mostly, it’s all about escaping cricket life. I think golf is a fantastic Sport to socialize with other cricketers and learn in a very casual environment, ” he said of playing Golf.

George Munsey is featuring for the first time in PSL, and he expressed his excitement while praising the league’s standards.

“Really looking forward to my first PSL experience. I have only heard great things about the pitches, the level of competition, and the fan bases are incredible. I have seen that first hand in the last few days,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Karachi Kings will play arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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Karachi Kings Head Coach Ravi Bopara remains upbeat about the team’s chances in the PSL 10 playoffs, despite a tough loss in their final league match against Islamabad United.

Speaking after the match, Bopara was clear: the team isn’t letting one defeat define them.

“It wasn’t our best day, but it hasn’t shaken our confidence,” he said.

“This team is a tight unit, we enjoy the good moments together, and we stand by each other in tough times. We’re backing ourselves against Lahore Qalandars and aiming to go all the way.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Ravi Bopara acknowledged Islamabad United’s strong showing but emphasised Karachi’s own consistent run in the tournament.

“We played excellent cricket throughout the group stage. For a long time, we were securely in second place. But Islamabad beat us twice — so they deserve that spot,” he added.

“They started the tournament on a high with five straight wins. We came close, but now we’ll take the hard route, and sometimes that’s the more rewarding one.”

He also shared his views on the evolution of emerging players in Pakistan, particularly batters.

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“I’ve been impressed by the emerging batters this season. Usually, we see more fast bowlers, but this time some really strong hitters have come through,” Ravi Bopara further stated.

“But they’re inexperienced. Next year, opponents will come with plans and target their weaknesses. That second season is always tough.

“We’ve got to support them, guide them, and help them adapt. That’s how we turn them into world-class players.”

Karachi Kings now look to regroup quickly and come out firing in the do-or-die clash against Lahore Qalandars on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: PCB invites applications for men’s national team coaching staff

Karachi Kings Director Haider Azhar expressed strong confidence in the team’s strategy, structure, and player development after the completion of PSL 10 group stages.

While speaking to the media following the defeat to Islamabad United in their final group-stage game, Haider said he was proud of how the team was built and how it performed overall.

“Alhamdulillah, we’re very satisfied with our draft planning — especially in terms of team balance. We’re one of the few sides that gave chances to 18 players during the season,” Haider stated.

“The conditions in Karachi were a bit different from what we expected, but we had covered our bases for both spin- and pace-friendly tracks.”

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Highlighting a major strategic call made at the draft table, he added:

“We took a calculated risk by backing local middle and lower-order players, where Pakistani talent has generally struggled. But Khushdil Shah was brilliant throughout the tournament, and Irfan Khan Niazi also contributed well. We’re happy with how our squad performed across departments.”

Haider Azhar also shed light on Karachi Kings’ long-standing investment in player development.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Karachi Kings has always prioritised talent development. If you look back over 10 seasons, you’ll see how many players started with us as emerging talent, Mir Hamza, Shahnawaz Dahani, Irfan Khan Niazi, Abbas Afridi, and Abrar Ahmed. These aren’t just names, they’re success stories.”

“Even last year, our talent hunt in the northern areas discovered Fawad Ali — a young fast bowler who hit 149 km/h in this tournament. We remain committed to unearthing and nurturing new talent.”

Karachi Kings will now take on Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, aiming to keep their title hopes alive.

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