Tag: Lahore Qalandars

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.

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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

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

LAHORE: In a significant blow, Lahore Qalandars’ middle-order batter Asif Ali is ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final.

Asif Ali was ruled out after a horrific collision with his teammate Mohammad Naeem in an attempt to stop a ball the boundary during the 12th over of Quetta Gladiators’ innings.

Although a stretcher was brought onto the field, Asif Ali managed to walk off with the assistance of the team doctor.

Following the exit of Asif Ali, Qalandars announced his replacement. Mohammad Akhlaq was brought into the playing XI and will take Asif’s place in the batting lineup.

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.

Hasan Nawaz, particularly, took Rishad Hossain to the cleaners, reaching a half century in the process. He accumulated 16 runs of this over to take Quetta to the 100-run mark at the halfway stage of the innings.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The Gladiators were well set for a formidable total before Shaheen Afridi’s 18th over halted their momentum. The left-arm pacer struck twice, removing both well-set batters.

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With these breakthroughs, Lahore made a strong comeback, not before Faheem Ashraf’s blitz in the last over.

The all-rounder smashed 23 in the penultimate over, taking the total over 200. He was at last removed after scoring 8 balls, 28, striking at 350 with the aid of two fours and three towering sixes.

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

READ: Hasan’s knock, Faheem’s cameo power Gladiators to 201

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LAHORE: Shaheen Afridi, captain of the Lahore Qalandars,  credited the entire team for reaching the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Lahore Qalandars ended defending champions Islamabad United’s journey in PSL 10 with a  95-run drubbing.

The home team demonstrated a clinical bowling and batting display here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.

While defending a target of 203 runs, Lahore Qalandars routed Islamabad United’s batting lineup with a stellar bowling performance.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Islamabad United were bundled out on a meager 107 in just 15.1 overs.

Shaheen Afridi returned with outstanding bowling figures of 3-3 in 3.1 overs.

While speaking in the post-match presentation, Shaheen Afridi emphasized Lahore Qalandar’s batting, hailing the team’s performance under challenging circumstances.

“The whole team deserves credit for the win—they performed when it mattered most,” Shaheen Afridi said.

He highlighted the importance of a strong start, stating: “Fakhar and Naeem gave us a crucial opening. Naeem in particular batted really well.”

The captain also praised Abdullah Shafique’s composed knock while pinpointing wickets with the new ball in the second innings.

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“Abdullah’s contribution was outstanding and played a key role in building momentum. We put the opposition under pressure by taking quick wickets,” Shaheen remarked.

The skipper expressed confidence ahead of the final against 2018 champions Quetta Gladiators.

“We are fully hopeful of winning the final,” Shaheen Afridi concluded.

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LAHORE: All-round Lahore Qalandars overwhelmed defending champions Islamabad United by 95 runs in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a daunting target of 203 runs, Islamabad United crumbled under pressure and were bundled out on a meager 107 in just 15.1 overs.

Islamabad United started poorly in the pursuit as Qalandars’ opening bowlers dismantled their top order, reducing them to 12-3 in only 3.2 overs.

Inform, Sahibzada Farhan was the first to go as Salman Mirza castled him with a beauty. The makeshift opener Muhammad Shahzad could not make an impact as he was sent packing, thanks to Shaheen Afridi, who left United two down for three runs.

South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen came in but had a short stay at the crease was short, departing after scoring seven runs.

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With early wickets, it was expected that the experienced duo of Imad Wasim and Salman Agha would steady Islamabad United in the chase, however, the former fell on the penultimate ball of the powerplay.

Imad scratchy 8 off 10 ended, thanks to Mirza again, leaving United reeling at 33-4.

The early setbacks had Islamabad United searching for solutions, which Salman and captain Shadab Khan briefly addressed with a 39-run partnership.

Both batters were looking good as they scored 18 off Rishad Hossain’s bowling in the ninth over, bringing the score to 56.

However, just when United were set to launch, top-scorer Salman was caught, scoring 33 off 26 balls, laced with a six and four boundaries.

Rishad struck again in the 13th over, claiming wickets of Shadab Khan (26 off 14 balls, three sixes) and James Neesham (8 off five balls), leaving Islamabad United seven down for 95.

It was only a matter of time in front of a dominant bowling display from the home team as Shaheen Afridi wrapped up the innings, picking up Haider Ali’s wicket.

For Lahore Qalandars, it was a clinical bowling effort as Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza and Rishad Hossain picked three wickets each that led them three times champions to PSL 10 final.

Earlier, Mohammad Naeem’s sparkling half-century, followed by Kusal Perera’s knock, led Lahore Qalandars to a formidable total

Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars posted 202 for the loss of eight wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

The home team was jolted with an early blow as they lost their opener, Fakhar Zaman only in the second over. The left-handed batter departed after scoring 12 off 11 balls with the help of three fours.

However, Mohammad Naeem stitched a 70-run stand with Abdullah Shafique, bringing the score to 83 at the end ninth over. Naeem was the core aggressor while Shafique kept one end firm.

The notable highlight of the powerplay was Naseem Shah’s fifth over, during which Naeem amassed 18 runs. The opener, removed soon after completing his brisk half century, struck two sixes and seven boundaries.

Despite the wicket, Lahore Qalandars kept the scoring rate high as they crossed the 100-run mark through the halfway stage of the innings. Abdullah Shafique (25 off 24 balls) was caught, courtesy of Shadab Khan’s excellent catch at mid off.

The wicket brought Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the crease, who partnered with his countryman Kusal Perera, taking Qalandars into a commanding position. The Sri Lankan duo forged a vital 51-run stand, bringing the total to 151 in 16.2 overs.

Perera was the core aggressor while Rajapaksa played second fiddle for his 22 of 13 balls, laced with two fours and a six.

The Qalandars kept on scoring runs as Perera reached his half-century. Asif Ali also contributed with his 7-ball 15, striking back-to-back sixes in Salman Irshad’s over, before getting dismissed.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The scorecard read 189-5 in the 18.4 as Qalandars eyed to go past 210; however, it was the 20th over, which brought three wickets, giving Islamabad United a sigh of relief. Kusal Perera, who top scored with 61 off 35 deliveries, peppered with two sixes and seven fours, was the first to go.

Shakib Al Hasan was caught as well on duck, but Rishad Hossain struck a boundary to take Qalandars past 200 before being run out on the last ball of the innings.

For Islamabad United, Tymal Mills starred with the ball, taking three for 42 in his four overs, while Salman Irshad picked up two wickets.

PLAYING XIs 

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Naeem (E).

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Salman Ali Agha, Salman Irshad, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills, Haider Ali

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and opted to bat first against Islamabad United in the Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Perera, Haris Rauf, Abdullah Shafique, Asif Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossai, Mohammad Naeem (E).

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Salman Ali Agha, Salman Irshad, Sahibzada Farhan, Muhammad Shahzad, Rassie van der Dussen, James Neesham, Tymal Mills,Riley Meredith

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars top-order batter Abdullah Shafique shared his thoughts after a match-winning knock against Karachi Kings.

Set to chase a 191-run target, Lahore Qalandars comfortably knocked the winning runs with eight balls to spare. Player of the Match Abdullah Shafique starred with the bat, scoring 65 off 35 balls with the help of five sixes and three fours.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Abdullah expressed satisfaction over his recent performance and said he aims to contribute in ways that help the team win.

“First of all, I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to perform well. “My focus is always on contributing in a way that benefits the team,” Abdullah Shafique told reporters.

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He added that adapting to modern-day cricket demands constant self-improvement while hailing the team’s clarity regarding playing roles.

“You have to train according to the requirements of modern cricket. But more than training, it’s about mindset. If the mindset is positive, results follow.”

“Every player knows his role and performs accordingly,” he explained.

Responding to a question about his batting position, he said: “I’ve played as an opener from the beginning of my career, but I always try to adapt based on the team’s needs.”

He also threw his support behind skipper Shaheen Afridi, expressing support for the fast bowler.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Shaheen is our leader, and we are all standing firmly with him,” Abdullah Said

Looking ahead to the Eliminator against Islamabad United, Abdullah remained optimistic about his team’s chances of reaching the final, stressing the sloppy fielding.

“We are hopeful of putting in a strong performance and qualifying for the final. Catches do get dropped; it’s part of the game. I tried to make up for the fielding mistakes with my batting,” he concluded.

READ: Dominant Lahore Qalandars beat Karachi Kings in PSL 10 Eliminator

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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