Tag: PSL 11

Former Pakistan middle-order batter Asif Ali has hinted at a potential return to international cricket, stating he remains available for selection, but stressed that his immediate focus is on delivering for Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The 34-year-old, who announced his international retirement in September last year, said his commitment to the game remains unchanged as long as he maintains his fitness.

“Look, my job is to play cricket. You saw in the [2024] World Cup as well that two retired players [Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim] returned to the Pakistan team. If there is a need, I am available. But my first focus is to play in the PSL and perform,” Asif said while speaking to reporters during a training session in Lahore.

Asif, who featured in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan, referenced the returns of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to underline that comebacks remain a possibility if the team requires experienced players.

Currently part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, Asif Ali emphasised that his primary objective is to help the defending champions retain their title in the upcoming edition.

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“Look, the target and aim are the same for all players; that just as we were champions last time, we aim to be champions again this time,” he stated.

He further made it clear that retirement, for now, is not a closed chapter, insisting he will continue to play professional cricket for as long as he remains physically capable.

“As for retirement, I am still playing cricket, and God willing, as long as I have fitness, I will continue to play,” he added.

Known for his finishing ability, Asif also expressed flexibility regarding his batting position, highlighting his willingness to adapt according to the team’s needs.

“I have played wherever the team needed me, and the number was selected according to the team combination. I was happy there, and this time as well, whatever number they give me, I will be happy with that,” he concluded.

READ: Islamabad United sign THIS young batter to squad for PSL 11

LAHORE: Former champions Islamabad United have finalised their squad for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 after adding young batter Mohsin Riaz to their roster in a late move ahead of the tournament.

The franchise confirmed the signing on Wednesday night through their official social media platforms, welcoming the Sheikhupura-born right-hander to the squad.

“Islamabad United is excited to welcome the dynamic Mohsin Riaz to the ISLU family,” the franchise announced.

 

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The 25-year-old has shown promise in domestic T20 cricket, having featured in eight matches and scoring 106 runs at a healthy strike rate of 137.66. He also impressed in the recently concluded National T20 Cup while representing Sialkot Region, where he accumulated 61 runs in four outings at a strike rate exceeding 135.

Islamabad United have been active in the final days leading up to the tournament, having earlier confirmed the inclusion of Chris Green as a replacement for injured Australian batter Max Bryant. The late adjustments have taken the squad size to 20 players.

Led by Shadab Khan, United will begin their PSL 11 campaign against Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Islamabad United squad

Shadab Khan (captain), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Chris Green, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq, Mohsin Riaz and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: Lahore Qalandars sign another Zimbabwe player for PSL 11

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have completed their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of Zimbabwe all-rounder Ryan Burl as a direct pick.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, announcing Burl as their final addition, taking the squad strength to 20 players ahead of the tournament.

 

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The 31-year-old will join fellow Zimbabwe international Sikandar Raza in the Qalandars setup, adding further depth to both their batting and bowling departments.

Burl, who is set to make his PSL debut, brings considerable experience from various T20 leagues. He has featured prominently in competitions such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the ILT20, where he has showcased his all-round credentials.

In the BPL, the left-handed batter has scored 620 runs in 37 matches at a strike rate of 127.57, while also picking up 13 wickets. On the international stage, Burl has represented Zimbabwe in 118 T20Is, amassing 1,948 runs at a strike rate close to 125, alongside claiming 62 wickets.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

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, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann, Maaz Khan, Ryan Burl and Shahab Khan.

READ: Islamabad United make late change to squad for PSL 11

LAHORE: Three-time champions Islamabad United have been dealt an early setback ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, with Australia’s Max Bryant ruled out due to injury, prompting the franchise to bring in compatriot Chris Green as his replacement.

The franchise confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that Bryant, who was picked for Rs19.5 million during last month’s player auction, will miss the entire tournament.

“Chris Green replaces Max Bryant. Unfortunately, Max Bryant has been ruled out of the PSL due to an injury,” Islamabad United announced via their official social media platforms.

Green has been signed for Rs14 million, bringing valuable balance to the squad with his all-round capabilities. The Australian is a well-travelled T20 specialist, having featured in multiple franchise leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20, Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and The Hundred.

The off-spinning all-rounder is no stranger to the PSL either, having previously represented Multan Sultans in the 2019 edition. During that campaign, he picked up four wickets and scored 27 runs across five appearances.

Islamabad United will be hoping Green can quickly settle into the setup as they prepare to kick off their PSL 11 campaign against Multan Sultans on Saturday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan (captain), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Chris Green, Mark Chapman, Nisar Ahmed, Mir Hamza Sajjad, Sameen Gul, Sameer Minhas, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Dipendra Singh Airee, Mohammad Faiq and Mohammad Salman Mirza.

READ: PCB outlines ticket refund process after PSL 11 moves behind closed doors

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced a comprehensive ticket refund policy for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, following the decision to stage the tournament without spectators.

The move comes after a major revision to the event’s original plans, with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirming earlier that the entire tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, behind closed doors due to the prevailing regional situation.

As a result, fans who had already purchased tickets for matches will now be eligible for refunds, with the board clarifying that the process will be automatic for online bookings.

According to the PCB, all tickets purchased through digital platforms will be refunded directly to the original payment method used at the time of booking. This includes transactions made via debit and credit cards, as well as mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board and HBL PSL appreciate your patience and look forward to welcoming you back to the stadiums for an even more exciting cricketing experience in future,” the PCB stated in a press release.

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“For any ticket refund related queries get in touch at [email protected].”

The refund process is set to begin on March 30, 2026, and is expected to be completed within 15 working days. However, the board noted that timelines may vary slightly depending on individual banks or payment service providers.

Importantly, ticket holders are not required to take any action to initiate the refund. In case of delays beyond the stated timeframe, customers have been advised to contact their respective banks or payment platforms for further assistance.

The PCB also expressed appreciation for the fans’ understanding amid the changes and reiterated its commitment to bringing spectators back to stadiums in future editions.

READ: PSL 11: Rawalpindiz bring in Usman Khawaja as replacement signing

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have strengthened their squad ahead of the landmark 11th edition by signing Australian veteran Usman Khawaja as a replacement for Laurie Evans.

The franchise confirmed the development through its official social media platforms, welcoming the experienced left-hander to the side.

“@Uz_Khawaja joins The Pindiz! A world-class batter with top-level experience comes in as the replacement for Laurie Evans. Welcome to Pindi, Uzzie,” the franchise announced.

Khawaja brings a wealth of experience to the newly-formed outfit, having featured in 121 T20 matches, scoring over 3,400 runs at an average of 30.35 and a strike rate of 131.32. His T20 career spans multiple leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), England’s Vitality Blast, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The left-hander is also no stranger to the PSL, having previously represented Islamabad United in the 2021 edition. During that campaign, he enjoyed an impressive run, amassing 246 runs in seven matches at an average of 49.20 and a strike rate exceeding 150.

Khawaja’s inclusion adds stability and experience to the Rawalpindiz batting unit as they prepare for their debut season in the competition.

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

READ: David Warner confident new additions will strengthen Karachi Kings in PSL 11

LAHORE: Karachi Kings captain David Warner expressed confidence in his side’s preparations and squad strength ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, vowing to build on last season’s performance and push beyond the playoffs.

Speaking at the pre-tournament captains’ press conference in Lahore, Warner highlighted the importance of continuity while also welcoming the new additions to the squad.

“It’s always great to have players like Adam Zampa and Salman Ali Agha in our group,” Warner said. “For us, it’s about trying to replicate what we did well last year and then improve on areas where we fell short. Hopefully, we can do better this season and go beyond the playoffs.”

Warner also expressed satisfaction with the squad assembled during the player auction, backing his side to compete strongly in the expanded eight-team tournament.

“We’ve got a really good group of players, and I think we did a great job at the auction. We’re ready to compete against the best teams,” he added with a smile.

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Karachi Kings had an encouraging campaign in PSL 10, where Warner led from the front with the bat, scoring 368 runs in 11 innings at an average of 33.45 and an impressive strike rate of 153.97.

Addressing questions about his fitness at the age of 39, Warner dismissed any concerns, underlining his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.

“Look, at 39, I’m extremely fit—probably fitter than most people my age playing this game,” he said. “It’s all about maintaining a healthy diet, training hard, and putting in the work on the field. Hopefully, I can score good runs again and put the team in strong positions.”

With a balanced squad and renewed intent, Karachi Kings will be aiming to make a deeper run in PSL 11 under Warner’s leadership.

READ: Mir Hamza backs David Warner’s leadership as Karachi Kings gear up for PSL 11

LAHORE: Karachi Kings pacer Mir Hamza has thrown his support behind captain David Warner, calling his leadership a major boost for the franchise ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

Warner, who returns to lead the side for a second consecutive season, guided Karachi Kings to the playoffs in the previous edition, where they were knocked out by eventual champions Lahore Qalandars.

With a revamped squad and added depth, the Kings will be aiming to go a step further this time around.

“Having David Warner as captain again this season is a big positive for us. He is very supportive and a natural leader,” Hamza said while speaking to the media ahead of the team’s training session.

The left-arm pacer also highlighted the balance within the squad, particularly pointing out the addition of Salman Ali Agha as a key asset.

“We also have a strong middle-order option in Salman Ali Agha, who can contribute with both bat and ball and is capable of playing long innings,” he added.

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Mir Hamza noted that the team’s preparations are now gathering momentum after a slow start due to the Eid break.

“Our preparation is going well, and the warm-up match has come at the right time. We needed match practice as a team, and today’s game helped us a lot in getting into rhythm,” he said.

With the league expanding to eight teams this season, the competition is expected to intensify. Hamza acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic.

“All franchises have built strong squads, so we will see a good competition. My focus is to perform for my team and contribute wherever needed,” he remarked.

He also downplayed concerns over weather conditions, stating that players must adapt to different situations.

“Weather always has an impact, but as professionals, we have to adjust. Most of our matches are at night, so conditions won’t affect us much,” he explained.

Karachi Kings will begin their PSL 11 campaign on Friday against Quetta Gladiators, with a squad featuring a mix of international stars and local talent.

Karachi Kings squad for PSL 11

David Warner (c), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Saad Baig, Moeen Ali, Azam Khan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shahid Aziz, Mir Hamza, Adam Zampa, Mohammad Hamza Sohail, Aqib Ilyas, Khwaja Bin Tanveer, Reeza Hendricks, Muhammad Waseem, Ihsanullah and Rizwanullah.

READ: Hyderabad Kingsmen sign star Sri Lanka spinner for PSL 11

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League (PSL) debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen have bolstered their squad ahead of the tournament’s 11th edition with the signing of Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

The franchise confirmed the addition through their official social media platforms, welcoming the mystery spinner with a message that highlighted his reputation as a “wily operator.”

Theekshana arrives with a wealth of experience in T20 cricket. The 25-year-old has featured in 83 T20 internationals for Sri Lanka, picking up 82 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.08.

Across all T20 competitions, he has claimed 230 wickets in 225 matches, underlining his effectiveness in the shortest format.

Set to make his PSL debut, Theekshana also brings extensive franchise experience, having plied his trade in leagues around the world, including the IPL, ILT20, SA20, CPL and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

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The upcoming PSL 11 marks a historic shift, with eight teams participating for the first time. Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz are the two new entrants in a tournament that will feature 44 matches over a 39-day window.

However, preparations for the marquee event have taken a significant turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revising its initial plans.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed on Sunday that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Hyderabad Kingsmen Squad for PSL 11

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Hassan Khan (vc), Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shayan Jahangir, Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Saad Ali, Tayyab Arif, Maheesh Theekshana and Ahmed Hussain.

READ: India-US consortium buys IPL Royal Challengers Bengaluru for $1.7bn

The historic Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 is set to begin on March 26, with several uncapped players to keep an eye on who may turn out to be game changers. 

5. Farhan Yousaf

Farhan Yousaf, who captained Pakistan in the U19 World Cup, remained unpicked in the PSL 11 auction. He finished with 132 runs in five matches at an average of 66.

But later, Peshawar Zalmi roped him in through a direct signing.

He managed 143 runs in the National T20 Cup from four matches at a strike rate of 143 with a highest score of 61*.

4. Shahzaib Khan

Remember the name, Shahzaib Khan? The left-hander came to the limelight during the Pakistan U19 World Cup campaign in 2024, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer for the national team.

However, since then, he has been scoring runs freely in Pakistan domestic cricket, awaiting a call to the national side.

Picked by RawalPINDIZ for a base price of PKR 60 lacs, Shahzaib Khan was in good form during the recently concluded National T20 Cup. He amassed 160 runs in five matches at an average of 40 at a strike rate of 158, including two half-centuries.

3. Abdullah Fazal

The 23-year-old Abdullah Fazal is another player to look out for in the tournament. His elegant stroke play caught the eye of RawalPINDIZ at the auction, and he was bought for PKR 67.5 lakh in the auction.

The left-handed batter has been consistent in domestic cricket, particularly in the National T20 Cups, amassing 420 runs in eight matches, with a strike rate of 160. The left-hander has already earned the player of the match award in the team’s important outings.

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In the recently concluded National T20 Cup, he played a blinder, scoring 88 from 41 balls in the semi-final against Sialkot.

Earlier, he also played a crucial knock in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, scoring 88 and 114, which helped Karachi Blues lift the trophy.

2. Saqib Khan

Hailing from Karachi, fast bowling all-rounder Saqib Khan has dedicated many years to cricket. He was bought by Quetta Gladiators for a base price of PKR 60 lakh in the auction.

His perseverance finally paid off in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, where he finished as the second-highest wicket taker. Saqib took 47 wickets in nine matches for Karachi Blues, averaging 20.59, thereby playing a pivotal role in the team’s title glory.

Although he is 30, his seam and new ball bowling could trouble batters. Besides his bowling, Saqib could also come in handy with the bat, lower down the order.

1. Sameer Minhas

Sameer Minhas is tipped as the next big thing in Pakistan cricket. The right-hander was a hot pick in the PSL 11 auction and was eventually bought by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore.

Sameer has already showcased his potential in the recently concluded ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, emerging as Pakistan’s leading run scorer.

He scored 197 runs in five games at an impressive strike rate of 105. Before heading to the U19 World Cup, Sameer blasted a record-breaking innings in the Asia Cup final against India.

The 19-year-old took only 42 balls to slam a ton, breaking India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record (52 balls) of the fastest youth hundred. Sameer Minhas blistering 172 from 113 took Pakistan to an imposing 347-run total against arch-rivals.

The total was enough to seal a memorable 191-run victory for the Green Shirts.

READ: PSL 11 squads locked in as trade window closes