Tag: Lahore Qalandars

MULTAN: Multan Sultans have won the toss and opted to bat first against Lahore Qalandars in the 12th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. 

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi (c), Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Asif Afridi.

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Joshua Little.

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HEAD TO HEAD

Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans have played each other 19 times since the inception of the PSL. In these competitive encounters, Multan has won 10 times while Qalandars have secured 9 victories.

RECORD: Matches 19, Lahore Qalandars 9, Multan Sultans 10

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

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Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan has come out in strong support of teammate Azam Khan, brushing aside concerns over the wicketkeeper’s fitness after their victory over Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Sunday.

Addressing the media during the post-match press conference, Shadab made it clear that Azam’s performance on the field outweighs any fitness debates, especially when it comes to his role within the franchise.

“There shouldn’t be any questions about Azam’s fitness; we can cover for him,” Shadab said.

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“I’m not saying he should necessarily be in the Pakistan team, but in our franchise, we provide him cover, and he always performs for us. Yes, fitness is important, but for us, his performance matters more.”

Azam Khan was promoted to open the innings for Islamabad United in a modest 129-run chase, alongside Sahibzada Farhan.

The wicket-keeper scored a composed 31 off 30 deliveries, laying a strong foundation with Sahibzada Farhan (30 off 18) for a smooth pursuit, while Shadab himself anchored the innings with a match-defining 47 off 40 balls.

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Earlier, Islamabad United’s bowling unit put in another disciplined effort to restrict Karachi Kings to 128/7. Shadab led from the front with figures of 2 for 17, while Naseem Shah continued his impressive run with 2 for 29.

With this result, defending champions Islamabad United remain unbeaten in the tournament, registering their fourth consecutive win to further consolidate their position at the top of the table.

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Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana has finally addressed the long-standing speculation surrounding the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain and whether former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan had a hand in it.

Shaheen, just 21 at the time, was a surprising choice when Lahore Qalandars named him captain in 2021.

In an exclusive chat with a local sports outlet, Atif Rana clarified that the decision to hand over the reins to Shaheen had nothing to do with Imran Khan.

“Shaheen was made captain by Sameen [Rana],” Atif revealed. “Our team think tank took that decision collectively, and Sameen played a key role in it.”

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He explained that while they did meet Imran Khan, who was Prime Minister at the time, the meeting happened after the captaincy decision had already been made.

“We had a meeting with Imran Khan after we made Shaheen Afridi the captain,” Atif said. “At that time, Imran Khan praised our decision and told Shaheen, ‘If you keep playing like this, you will rule world cricket for the next 8 to 10 years.’”

Atif Rana recalled an interesting take from the 1992 World Cup-winning captain. He also shared that even though Imran wasn’t involved in the actual decision-making, his validation meant a lot to the Qalandars camp.

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“Imran Khan said he doesn’t consider batsmen as captains, he believes a true captain is a bowler,” he shared. “Hearing such words from such a legend was very special for us and for Shaheen as well.”

Prior to appointing Shaheen Afridi as captain, the franchise had endured a dismal run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), finishing at the bottom in five out of six seasons from 2016 to 2021.

But the young pacer turned the tide, leading the Qalandars to their maiden PSL title in 2022 and remarkably defending it in 2023, making them the first team in the league’s history to win back-to-back titles.

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Lahore Qalandars’ seasoned opener Fakhar Zaman has stated that he is still not playing at his best, even after producing consecutive match-winning performances in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.

The Southpaw smashed a blistering 76 off 47 balls against Karachi Kings yesterday, an innings studded with six fours and five maximum, leading Lahore Qalandars to a convincing victory.

Prior to that, Fakhar played a 67-run knock against Quetta Gladiators. He earned back-to-back Player of the Match awards, however, he still believes that he is far from his best.

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“In the last match, I said I didn’t play in full flow. If I repeat that today, it might sound ungrateful, but I still feel I haven’t reached my full rhythm yet,” Fakhar Zaman admitted during the post-match presentation.

Having returned to action after an injury setback, the left-hander underlined the importance of reading conditions early and forging partnerships.

“The ball wasn’t coming onto the bat as easily, so we planned to build a steady opening stand and save wickets for the death overs,” he explained. “We thought 170 would be a good total, and full credit to our bowlers for defending it superbly.”

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Statistically, Fakhar Zaman remains a PSL heavyweight. He’s currently the second-highest run-scorer in league history with 2,669 runs in 87 matches at an average of 31.03 and a strike rate of 141.06.

His tally includes 21 half-centuries and two centuries — numbers that speak volumes of his consistency over the years.

He also holds the record for the most runs in a single PSL edition, having amassed 588 runs in 13 matches during PSL 7 at an average of 45.23 and a strike rate of 152.72, including seven fifties and a hundred.

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Former Pakistan captains Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi have publicly raised concerns over Lahore Qalandars’ selection strategy in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, particularly the decision to field an inexperienced opener, Mohammad Naeem, ahead of more seasoned domestic performers.

Speaking on a local sports show, Yousuf didn’t mince his words while reacting to Naeem’s inclusion in the Qalandars’ playing XI.

“I’ve heard Mohammad Naeem’s name for the first time. Has he even played first-class cricket?” Yousuf questioned bluntly.

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“I’ve only seen him face 10 or 11 balls. They have Mohammad Akhlaq – an experienced first-class cricketer and a solid performer. How do you justify playing someone so raw over a proven domestic player?”

Mohammad Naeem, who had featured in just five T20 matches before making his PSL debut, was given the responsibility to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman.

The 22-year-old’s numbers don’t back his selection either – he had scored just 85 runs in those five games prior to the PSL and has managed only 8 and 10 in his first two PSL outings, totaling a modest 18 runs so far.

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Shahid Afridi also took a subtle jab at Lahore’s tendency to pick untested players under the banner of talent discovery. “Credit bhi to lena hai,” he said, alluding to the franchise’s reputation for backing unknown names.

It’s worth noting that Lahore Qalandars lost their tournament opener to Islamabad United but bounced back in a high-scoring win over Quetta Gladiators.

They now gear up for a crucial clash against arch-rivals Karachi Kings later today at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

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The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has brushed aside talks of turning into a full-fledged all-rounder, clarifying that his focus remains firmly on his primary role as a fast bowler.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with a local sports platform ahead of season 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Shaheen opened up about his much-talked-about batting promotions since taking over Qalandars’ captaincy in 2022.

Explaining why he often walks in earlier than expected in pressure situations, Shaheen said it’s a tactical move to protect the senior batters and absorb the early damage himself.

“When I come to bat early, the team is already four to five wickets down at an early stage. I come to bat because the team needs me,” he said.

“I don’t want the main batters of the team to go out there in a difficult situation. I try to go under the pressure and make some quick runs.”

The left-armer stressed that his own wicket isn’t as valuable in such scenarios compared to the experienced batters.

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“If I get out doing that, there’s no importance to my wicket, but if a senior batter went out in that situation, the team would be under pressure,” he added.

Shaheen Afridi believes this approach can create a shift in momentum and put the opposition under pressure.

“I try to handle the pressure for the team. If we get some runs, the pressure on the other team will increase,” he said.

While Shaheen’s cameos with the bat have drawn attention, he made it clear that he has no plans of rebranding himself as an all-rounder.

“I don’t have any such intention of being an all-rounder. My job is to bowl and then bat,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that PSL 10 will begin on Friday, April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

READ: Mohammad Nabi joins Karachi Kings ahead of PSL 10

Pakistan’s left-handed opener, Fakhar Zaman, has resumed training ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 after recovering from the injury that prematurely ended his ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Fakhar, who sustained an oblique tear in the opening match against New Zealand, has now turned his focus towards making a strong return in the upcoming PSL season 10 with Lahore Qalandars.

The injury occurred during the first over of New Zealand’s innings, forcing Fakhar to leave the field for medical assessment. Though he attempted to return later, discomfort eventually forced him off again.

Despite the pain, he still came out to bat in Pakistan’s chase of 321 but struggled for fluency, managing a scratchy 24 before getting dismissed.

Subsequent scans confirmed the severity of his injury, ruling him out of the tournament just ahead of Pakistan’s high-stakes clash against India on February 23 in Dubai.

Now, with the Champions Trophy heartbreak behind him, Fakhar has returned to the nets, determined to regain his form before PSL 10 kicks off on April 11.

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Speaking about his first session back, he admitted it felt challenging initially but showed signs of improvement as the session progressed.

“The first day was tough, especially after such a long break from batting. At first, it felt strange, almost like batting without pads, but as the session went on, I started to middle the ball,” Fakhar Zaman shared in a video posted by Lahore Qalandars on social media.

With just over a week left before PSL 10 begins, Fakhar is optimistic about finding his rhythm in time.

He also reaffirmed his ambitions for the tournament, setting his sights on becoming the leading run-scorer and helping Lahore Qalandars clinch the title once again.

“My goals remain the same every season: to be the best batter of the tournament and to take my team to the final. This year is no different—I’ll give my all to help Qalandars win,” he asserted.

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Two-time Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Lahore Qalandars have appointed South Africa’s Russell Domingo as their new head coach for the upcoming season 10 of the marquee league.

Domingo replaces England’s Darren Gough, who was initially named head coach for PSL 10 but had to withdraw due to unavoidable personal commitments.

A seasoned coach with vast experience at the international level, Domingo has previously served as the head coach of South Africa and Bangladesh.

Known for his tactical prowess and ability to groom young talent, his appointment aligns with Qalandars’ vision of building a strong, competitive squad.

 

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“I am really excited to be part of the Lahore Qalandars for the 2025 PSL season. I can’t wait to get to work, meet the players, get to know the management, and start preparations for what promises to be an amazingly exciting campaign,” said Domingo while sharing his excitement about the new role.

“We know we will have all the support from our faithful fans, and I look forward to making you all proud in the coming weeks.”

Lahore Qalandars’ COO, Sameen Rana, also welcomed Domingo, expressing confidence in his leadership.

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“We are delighted to have Russell Domingo join us as head coach for PSL 10. His vast experience at the international level, combined with his ability to strategize effectively, makes him an invaluable asset for the Qalandars,” said Rana.

“We believe his expertise will contribute immensely to our team’s success in PSL 10.”

The 10th edition of the PSL is set to commence on April 11, 2025. The opening match will see defending champions Islamabad United take on two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The tournament, featuring six teams and 34 matches, will run from April 11 to May 18. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium is set to host 13 matches, including both Eliminators and the grand final.

READ: Former Pakistan pacer emerges as contender for Bangladesh’s bowling coach role

Lahore Qalandars on Thursday appointed former England pace bowler Darren Gough as the head coach ahead of the upcoming season 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The two-time PSL champions took to their official social media accounts and confirmed the appointment of Gough, who had a stint with the franchise during the inaugural season of the Global Super League (GSL).

 

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Darren Gough expressed his excitement upon joining the Qalandars ahead of the PSL 10 Player Draft, which is scheduled to take place in Lahore on 13 January 2025.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be back with Lahore Qalandars. The passion and energy of the team, along with its incredible fan base, are unmatched,” said Gough.

“The PSL is a fantastic platform, with an amazing talent pool in the Qalandars roster, and I’m eager to contribute to helping the Qalandars reach new heights this season.

“I’m confident we can achieve something special. I believe in the potential of this squad, and together, we will work hard to bring success to the Qalandars and make our fans proud.

“With the unwavering support of our amazing fan base, we’re ready to give it our all and deliver exciting cricket this season.”

Meanwhile, Sameen Rana, the Team Director of Lahore Qalandars, expressed confidence that Gough will help the players in giving their best in the upcoming season.

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“Darren Gough is an outstanding leader who truly understands the culture and spirit of the Lahore Qalandars,” said Rana.

“His contributions during the Global Super League were invaluable, and we are excited to have him lead our team in HBL PSL 10.

“With his wealth of experience and passion for the game, we are confident that he will inspire the players to give their best performance.”

For the unversed, Gough was a mainstay of England’s bowling attack from 1994 to 2006, taking 229 wickets in Tests and 235 wickets in ODIs. He also played three T20Is for England, during the early days of the format, and took three wickets.

After his retirement, he served as England’s bowling consultant in 2020 before becoming the Managing Director of Cricket at Yorkshire.

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