Lahore Qalandars Archives

Lahore Qalandars to face THIS team in PSL 11 opener

LAHORE: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Salman Naseer, has officially confirmed the teams and venue for the opening fixture of the tournament’s historic 11th edition, set to run from March 26 to May 3.

Addressing the media with Hamza Majeed and Gohar Shah, Naseer announced that Qalandars will lock horns with tournament debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the season opener at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

The clash will be preceded by a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of what promises to be a landmark season for the league.

Naseer further revealed that the first leg of PSL 11 will largely be staged in Lahore, with the complete schedule expected to be unveiled later this week.

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In recent days, reports have circulated suggesting that the grand finale of PSL 11 could potentially be held outside Pakistan in a bid to engage overseas fans and expand the league’s footprint.

When asked about the possibility of taking a PSL fixture abroad, Naseer confirmed that the matter is indeed under discussion.

“The schedule will be announced later this week, so everything will become clear. But definitely, this was an issue under consideration, that our overseas Pakistanis also want to enjoy the PSL and experience it,” he said.

“Now, as we are becoming a global league, maybe we should take at least one match overseas. Whether that will happen this year or next year, you will get clarity by the end of this week,” he added.

READ: West Indies, Zimbabwe stuck in India because of travel chaos

Lahore Qalandars sign THIS South African batter for PSL 11

Lahore Qalandars have bolstered their squad ahead of the landmark season 11 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by securing South African wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann as a direct signing.

The franchise confirmed the development on Saturday through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-hander with a succinct message: “Gloves on. Bat in hand. South African Rubin Hermann joins the Lahore Qalandars as a Direct Signing.”

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Set to run from March 26 to May 3, PSL 11 promises to be a defining season for franchises reshaping their combinations, and Hermann’s addition gives Qalandars a versatile option in the middle order.

The 29-year-old has played seven T20 Internationals for South Africa, scoring 153 runs at a strike rate of 131.89, registering a half-century in the process.

At the domestic and franchise level, his numbers underline consistency. Across 65 T20 appearances, the left-hander has scored 1,497 runs at a strike rate of 127.83, including eight fifties and a century.

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Rubin Hermann also arrives with valuable league experience, having represented Paarl Royals in two seasons of SA20.

In 21 matches, he amassed 559 runs at a strike rate of 119.70, striking four half-centuries and often anchoring the innings in challenging situations.

For Lahore, the signing strengthens their wicketkeeping options as Haseebullah Khan was the only glovesman in the squad.

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 Khan, Mohammad Farooq, Dasun Shanaka, Parvez Hossain Emon, Asif Ali, Tayyab Tahir, Gudakesh Motie and Rubin Hermann.

READ: What New Zealand washout means for Pakistan semi-final qualification?

Lahore Qalandars announce Mustafizur Rahman as direct signing for PSL 11

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have roped in Bangladesh pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman as a direct signing for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The Bangladeshi star bowler, who was previously picked by the Qalandars in 2016 and 2018, is now set to return to the franchise for the 2026 edition, after he was signed for PKR 6.44 crore.

“Once a Qalandar, always a Qalandar. Mustafizur is not just a player; he’s a brother, a key part of our family who never left,” said Sameen Rana, Owner, Lahore Qalandars.

“We are thrilled to welcome him back to our dressing room. His talent, experience, and dedication will be invaluable as we aim to defend our title and make a statement in PSL 11.”

Mustafizur Rahman has represented Bangladesh in 15 Tests, 116 ODIs and 126 T20Is, taking 366 wickets across all formats.

Moreover, the 30-year-old pacer has played franchise cricket across the globe, taking 412 wickets in 322 matches at an average of 21.03.

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Earlier, Lahore Qalandars had retained captain Shaheen Afridi, key batter Abdullah Shafique, dynamic all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and skilled youngster Mohammad Naeem.

Notably, Mustafizur’s signing comes in the backdrop of a turbulent few weeks for the bowler, who was released by Kolkata Knight Riders last month.

The decision was reportedly taken at the direction of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), sparking controversy in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded strongly to the development, and the matter escalated to the point that the national cricket team opted not to travel to India for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Subsequently, Bangladesh were replaced by Scotland in the mega-event after multiple meetings between BCB and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Adding to the strained situation, Bangladesh’s government also announced a ban on the broadcast and coverage of the IPL within the country.

READ: Pakistan PM Shehbaz reaffirms decision to boycott India clash

Lahore Qalandars reveal Shaheen Afridi’s retention price

Lahore Qalandars have revealed the retention prices of their retained players, including Shaheen Afridi, ahead of the historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 auction, scheduled for February 11.

The Qalandars retained Shaheen Afridi, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, and Abdullah Shafique.

The retention prices were disclosed via the franchise’s social media handles.

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Skipper Shaheen Afridi is retained in Platinum for PKR 70M.

While middle-order batter Abdullah Shafiqe and all-rounder Sikandar Raza were retained in the Diamond and Gold categories for PKR 22M and 28M, respectively.

Mohammad Naeem also secured his place in the Silver category for a PKR 7M.

With these retentions, the 2024 winners have so far spent PKR 127 million from their overall franchise budget of PKR 450M ahead of the auction.

For the unversed, each franchise has been allotted a total budget of PKR 450 million for PSL 11, while an additional PKR 55 million has been reserved for direct signings under the league’s new auction-based model.

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Notably, PSL 11 marks a major shift in the league’s player recruitment process as the traditional draft system has been replaced by an auction format for the first time in PSL history.

On Tuesday, five out of the six old franchises announced their list of retained players, while Multan Sultans confirmed they will enter the auction with zero retentions, giving them the maximum purse ahead of the bidding process.

PSL 11 retentions

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)

Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)

READ: Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed make massive gains in ICC T20I rankings

PSL 11: Haris, Fakhar released as Lahore Qalandars announce retentions

The defending champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Lahore Qalandars have released Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman ahead of the historic auction, which will be held on February 11.

The franchise revealed the retained players in an animated poster on social media.

Among the retained players are skipper Shaheen Afridi (Platinum), middle-order batter Abdullah Shafiqe (Diamond), all-rounder Sikandar Raza (Gold), and Mohammad Naeem (Silver).

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With the limitation to retain one player from each of the four categories, the Qalandars have let go of their ace duo of Zaman and Rauf, who were placed in the Platinum category alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi.

It is worth noting that PSL is set to move to an auction format, marking a shift from the traditional draft system that has been in place since its adoption.

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

Moreover, this time around, teams could not retain up to eight players, along with additional provisions such as mentors, brand ambassadors, and the Right to Match (RTM) option.

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

For the unversed, 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: England defeat Australia to reach U19 World Cup final

Lahore Qalandars’ David Wiese set to miss PSL 11

Lahore Qalandars on Monday confirmed that experienced all-rounder David Wiese will not take part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 due to unforeseen circumstances and important family commitments.

The franchise, in an official statement, said it fully respects Wiese’s decision to prioritise his family and expressed hope that the veteran will return in future editions of the league.

Wiese has been associated with Lahore Qalandars for the past seven seasons, building a strong bond with the franchise and its fanbase.

The South African-born all-rounder has played a key role in the Qalandars’ rise in the PSL, contributing with both bat and ball and also serving as a senior figure within the team’s leadership group.

The Qalandars highlighted Wiese’s calmness under pressure and his mentorship of younger players as major factors behind his long-standing importance to the side.

“David has been an integral part of the Lahore Qalandars family and our leadership group for many years. His contributions extend far beyond on-field performances,” Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana said.

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“We fully respect his decision to prioritise his family at this time and look forward to welcoming him back in the coming seasons,” he added.

David Wiese, while sharing his sentiments, described his time with Lahore Qalandars as more than just cricket and thanked the franchise and supporters for their love over the years.

“Being part of Lahore Qalandars has been more than just cricket; it’s been a family,” Wiese said.

“The brotherhood within the team, the positive and supportive environment, and the passion everyone brings every day make this franchise truly special,” he added.

The all-rounder also said the respect he received from the Qalandars camp and fans, including being affectionately called ‘Murshad,’ is something he will always cherish, while reaffirming his intention to return in the coming seasons.

“I’m proud to have been part of a group that values teamwork, growth, and the spirit of the game, and I look forward to returning and contributing to the team’s journey in the seasons ahead,” Wiese concluded.

READ: Shahid Afridi comments on Pakistan’s boycott of India in T20 World Cup

Lahore Qalandars renew PSL franchise rights for another decade

Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars will continue under the stewardship of their current owners for another ten years after formally renewing their agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday.

In a statement, the PCB confirmed that the franchise rights for the PSL’s most valuable team will remain with its existing management for the next decade, marking a major milestone for both the Qalandars and the league.

The three-time champions, who sit alongside Islamabad United as the only teams to lift the trophy thrice, were among the first franchises to renew their deal at the market valuation determined by global audit giant Ernst & Young.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the Qalandars’ leadership and long-term commitment, crediting Atif Rana and Sameen Rana for transforming the team into a nationwide and global cricketing brand.

“It gives me immense pleasure that Lahore Qalandars will continue to stay with its current owners,” Naqvi said.

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“Atif Rana and Sameen Rana have worked extremely hard to turn this franchise into a household name across Pakistan and a reputable brand around the world. Their decision is a testament of confidence in the power and pull of the HBL PSL.”

Mohsin Naqvi added that the Qalandars have been central to the PSL’s growth, both on and off the field, contributing significantly to player development and domestic cricket uplift across the country.

PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer echoed the sentiment, praising the Qalandars’ role in shaping the league’s identity over the past decade.

“The Qalandars’ passion, energy and belief in the HBL PSL have been instrumental in shaping the league’s spirit and inspiring millions of fans,” Naseer said.

“Their commitment to nurturing talent and elevating Pakistan cricket is commendable. We’re excited to continue this incredible journey over the next 10 years and to build an even brighter, bolder future for the PSL.”

READ: Jansen takes six as South Africa close on Test series win over India

Lahore Qalandars star player lodges racial abuse complaint against coach

Zimbabwean all-rounder and Lahore Qalandars’ star Sikandar Raza has filed a formal complaint with the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association (HMCA), alleging racial abuse by a local coach during a Vigne Cup fixture between Old Hararians and Rainbow Cricket Club.

The incident reportedly occurred at the Old Hararians Sports Club, where Raza, representing Old Hararians, claims he was racially abused by a coach from the opposing camp as he walked off the field.

The veteran cricketer did not hold back in demanding strong action.

“I expect a full investigation,” Raza stated. “If found guilty, an example should be made out of him so that stuff like this never happens again to this and future generations.”

At the time of reporting, HMCA had yet to issue an official statement regarding the complaint.

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The abuse allegations came on a day when Sikandar Raza once again reminded everyone of his class with the bat. He smashed a brilliant 78 off 56 balls, helping Old Hararians pile up a staggering 402 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Rainbow Cricket Club, in response, could only manage 225 for 8 in 39 overs, falling short by 142 runs via the DLS method. The result was emphatic, but the day ended on a sour note due to the incident off the field.

The timing of this controversy is all the more jarring considering Raza is coming off a high from his recent heroics in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

He was instrumental in Lahore Qalandars’ title-winning campaign, finishing the season with 254 runs at an explosive strike rate of 169.33, including two fifties, and picking up 10 wickets at an economy of 7.75.

This was Raza’s second franchise title of the year, having earlier lifted the trophy in the 2025 edition of the ILT20, underlining his value as one of the most impactful T20 all-rounders on the circuit.

READ: Carlos Alcaraz stuns Jannik Sinner in French Open final

‘I’m truly humbled’: Sikandar Raza reflects on match-winning knock in PSL 10 final

LAHORE: Sikandar Raza, Lahore Qalandars all-rounder, shared his thoughts after sealing a last-over finish for his team here at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday.

Raza, who arrived in Pakistan just before the match, played a match-winning knock, scoring 22 of just seven balls to seal PSL 10 title for Lahore Qalandars.

Chasing an imposing 202-run target, Lahore Qalandars hit the winning runs on the second ball of the penultimate over, losing only four wickets in the process.

Kusal Perera played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 62 off 31 balls alongside Sikandar Raza.

While speaking during the post-match celebrations, Sikandar Raza shed light on his journey towards Pakistan before the grand final.

“I had dinner in Birmingham, breakfast in Dubai, lunch in Abu Dhabi and flew straight to Lahore for the PSL final. This is the life of a professional cricketer, and I am truly blessed to have this life,” he said.

Sikandar Raza reflected on the physically and emotionally demanding days leading up to the final.

“[I] bowled 25 overs day before yesterday [during the one-off Test between England and Zimbabwe]. Batted for 20-odd overs yesterday,” Raza added.

He further said, “I tried to take the emotions out. I am here to do my job. God forbid, we lost the game. I know I am with my brothers.

He described the journey to the final as unbelievable and said that winning in such fashion left him speechless.

“If I told you how I got here, it is unbelievable. And to have a victory like this, I just have no words. The journey helped. I was basically blank out there and did not try to premeditate,” Raza remarked.

Reflecting on Lahore’s experience in high-pressure games, Raza noted that they had previously won a final against Multan Sultans that went to the last ball,

“We had a final two years [against Multan Sultans where Qalandars won by one run] that went to the last ball. No other team is more prepared than us, given the do-or-die games we had to face this time around to get here,” the 39-year-old recalled.

He also spoke about the injuries and concussions Lahore Qalandars faced, mentioning that despite all the drama, he would choose this final over the one two years ago.

“We had concussions; Naeem wasn’t fit. There was so much drama in this game. I pick this final over the one two years ago,” he concluded.

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It is pertinent to mention that a day earlier, all-rounder Sikandar Raza was trying to prevent an innings defeat in the Test match for Zimbabwe against England at Trent Bridge. He scored 60 off 68 balls before getting out, resulting in his team’s defeat.

Within a few hours, he got on a plane to Lahore, where his team, the Lahore Qalandars, were playing the final match of the PSL against the Quetta Gladiators.

Sikandar Raza arrived just ten minutes before the toss and rushed him to the stadium. They had two team lists ready: one with him playing and another with Shakib al Hasan in case he didn’t arrive on time.

READ: Kusal, Raza power Lahore Qalandars to dramatic last-over PSL 10 triumph

President Zardari to present PSL 10 trophy to winning team

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday arrived here at the Gaddafi Stadium to attend the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.

Asif Ali Zardari was warmly received by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He will present the PSL 10 trophy to the winning team after the final.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also arrived here. He was warmly received by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who paid rich tribute to the brave personnel of the Pakistan Navy during the closing ceremony.

The stadium echoed with national songs performed by popular singers and resounded with patriotic chants as fans waved flags in a vibrant display of unity.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

A strong expression of solidarity with the Pakistan Navy was made during the final between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.

The Navy’s professionalism and state of readiness were widely appreciated.

“Due to Pakistan Navy’s preparedness, the enemy dared not violate our maritime borders,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“Great nations never forget their heroes,” he added.

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He also described May 10 as a shining chapter in Pakistan’s defence history.

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, prominent political leaders, and senior civil and military officials were also present on the occasion.

The final of PSL 10 is taking place between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.

While writing this story, Lahore required 23 runs in 8 balls.

Opting to bat first, Quetta Gladiators posted an imposing 201 total for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs.

The notable highlight of the innings was Hasan Nawaz and Avishka Fernando’s 67-run partnership that laid the foundation for a strong total.

For Lahore Qalandars, Shaheen Afridi remained a stand-out bowler, picking up three for 24 in his four overs, while Salman Mirza and Harish bagged two wickets apiece.

READ: Here’s why Asif Ali will not bat in PSL 10 final