Tag: Lahore Qalandars

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 Qalandars have received a significant boost as Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has joined the team ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator against their arch-rivals, Karachi Kings.

Miraz joined the squad for the playoff stage, replacing Sikandar Raza from Zimbabwe, who left to join his national team for a four-day Test against England.

Lahore Qalandars announced the arrival of Bangladeshi all-rounder through a social media post.

“Spin wizard in town! Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz arrives in Lahore to join Lahore Qalandars for the remainder of the PSL,” the post stated. “Qalandars fans, let’s welcome our Qalandar brother!”

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

“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy said in a recent interview.

“It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league.

“Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also acknowledged that he wants to use this stint as a springboard back into Bangladesh’s T20I setup.

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Miraz is set to reunite with senior Bangladesh teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who recently joined the franchise alongside Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster a squad depleted by the absence of David Wiese and Sam Billings.

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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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Lahore Qalandars have added Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz to their squad for the playoff stage of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, replacing Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza.

The 27-year-old spinner has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and is expected to arrive in Lahore by Tuesday.

Lahore Qalandars are set to feature in the Eliminator on Thursday, though their opponent is yet to be finalised.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is not part of Bangladesh’s ongoing T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah or the upcoming five-match 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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“Of course, it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars,” Mehidy said in a recent interview.

“It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league.

“Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”

Mehidy Hasan Miraz also acknowledged that he wants to use this stint as a springboard back into Bangladesh’s T20I setup.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he said.

“Definitely, I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”

At Lahore Qalandars, Mehidy Hasan Miraz will reunite with senior Bangladesh teammate Shakib Al Hasan, who recently joined the franchise alongside Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster a squad depleted by the absence of David Wiese and Sam Billings.

The Qalandars had briefly brought back Sikandar Raza after the PSL resumed following a temporary halt due to border tensions between India and Pakistan, but the Zimbabwean veteran was only available for one game before linking up with his national side for a four-day Test against England.

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RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Lahore Qalandars in the rain-shortened encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The match is reduced to 13 overs per side with revised playing conditions.

PLAYING XIs:

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

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (cap), Max Bryant, Maaz Sadaqat, Abdul Samad, Daniel Sams, Luke Wood, Mohammad Ali, Ahmed Daniyal, Ali Raza

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi have played each other 21 times since the inception of the PSL. In these encounters, Zalmi has won 12 times while Qalandars have secured 8 victories.

RECORD: Matches 21, Lahore Qalandars 8 , Peshawar Zalmi 12

The eagerly awaited season 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off on Friday, 11 April, filling cricket fans with excitement.

However, the tournament faced an unexpected pause as tensions flared across the border with India.

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Originally slated to culminate on Sunday, 18 May, the final showdown has now been rescheduled to take place on a thrilling Sunday, 25 May, promising high-stakes action and unforgettable moments for fans.

READ: PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators seal top spot with last-ball win over Multan Sultans

Lahore Qalandars faced a significant blow ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 resumption as their ace all-rounder, David Wiese, has opted out of the remaining matches.

While speaking on a sports platform, David Wiese shed light on the situation that unfolded during the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

“Unfortunately, I saw the toll it took on my family, and I think the toughest thing was that we in Pakistan know how far we are away from the borders, and you know the security and everything there,” he said.

”But if you haven’t been there and are just watching the news, you would think it is an active war zone and that lives were in danger the whole time,” Wiese added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

David emphasised the decision of not participating in the remaining matches of the PSL, however, he remained optimistic for the next year’s edition.

“Ultimately it was the big decision for me to leave the tournament originally, and also decided that I am not going to be heading back for the remainder of the tournament.”

“I’ve told everybody that I’m not going to be back this year, but next year again, definitely very keen to be going back again,” he explained.

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The South Africa-born cricketer also praised the security measures during the conflict and mentioned the communication between team management.

“We were in constant contact with the players’ association from various countries, and the security team were keeping us up to date with what was going on.”

“Our team owners and management were also quite open and transparent  with everything.  Our safety was never concern either, they kept us very safe and secure the whole time like they always do. I mean the security in Pakistan is paramount and we never did feel unsafe,” he concluded.

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Bangladesh stalwart Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to competitive cricket as he is likely to join Lahore Qalandars for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10. 

According to a report by the Daily Sun, a senior official from Lahore Qalandars has confirmed interest in Shakib; however, the deal has not been finalized yet.

“There is interest in him, but nothing is final. We will share updates about our overseas players once everything is confirmed,” the Daily Sun quoted the official.

Shakib Al Hasan has previously represented Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL.

It is pertinent to mention that Shakib Al Hasan is a former lawmaker from the party of autocratic former-leader Sheikh Hasina, who was overthrown in a student-led uprising last year and fled by helicopter to neighbouring India.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Shakib Al Hasan was participating in a domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament in Canada when Hasina’s government collapsed, and he has not returned to Bangladesh since.

The left-arm all-rounder has played 71 Tests, 247 One Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 matches for Bangladesh, taking a total of 712 wickets.

His last appearance in competitive cricket was in November last year, when he represented Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

For the unversed, PSL 10, which was briefly suspended last week due to rising cross-border tensions with India, is all set to resume on May 17 with Karachi Kings facing Peshawar Zalmi at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Rawalpindi will host three matches, including a double-header on Sunday, May 18, with Quetta Gladiators taking on Multan Sultans in the afternoon, followed by a clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars in the evening.

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The last match at the venue will see defending champions Islamabad United face Karachi Kings on May 19.

After that, the action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, which will host the business end of the tournament.

The Qualifier, Eliminator 1, and Eliminator 2 are scheduled for May 21, 22, and 23, respectively, with the grand final to be played on May 25.

READ: Rassie van der Dussen joins Islamabad United for remainder of PSL 10

New Zealand’s all-rounder Daryl Mitchell shared his thoughts regarding the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, clarifying Indian media reports suggesting he would not visit the country in the future.

The tensions between India and Pakistan reached fever-pitch following an attack last month in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) town of Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.

However, the situation returned to normal after an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, following days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks.

Due to the growing tensions, PSL 10 was postponed indefinitely, leading to the return of overseas players to their home countries.

Mitchell, who was playing for Lahore Qalandars, was also among the players who returned home after the marquee event’s postponement.

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Meanwhile, several Indian media outlets reported that Mitchell vowed to not play in Pakistan again.

In a statement released by Lahore Qalandars, Daryl Mitchell shared his thoughts on the conflict between the two countries while on his way back home.

“It’s been tough to watch two countries that are so close to my heart in conflict over the past few days. My thoughts are with those affected on both sides,” Daryl Mitchell said.

The all-rounder stressed the importance of peace between both countries and expressed his determination to return in the future.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“Both the PSL and IPL have played major roles in my career, and I’ve always cherished my time in both tournaments. I hope peace prevails and we can get back to playing the game we love and continue giving back to the amazing people who support us,” said Mitchell.

“It feels good to be heading home to my family, but I’m also looking forward to returning to both countries in the future — places I truly love spending time in,” he concluded.

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