Tag: PSL 11

LAHORE: Emerging top-order batter Sameer Minhas has asserted that he is ready to play at any number for Islamabad United during the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.

The 19-year-old, regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in the country, was picked by Islamabad United for PKR 1.9 crore at the PSL’s first-ever players’ auction.

He was the standout performer in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, playing a central role in Pakistan’s historic run to their maiden title.

During his brilliant campaign, he scored two centuries, including a 113-ball 172 against India in the final.

Earlier this year, he further underlined his credentials by scoring a 42-ball century in the U19 tri-series final against Zimbabwe, setting a new record for the fastest hundred in youth ODIs.

Now gearing up for his maiden PSL stint, Minhas believes the league offers a vital platform to break into the national side.

“PSL provides a great opportunity. If you perform here, you can make your way into the national team,” he said while speaking to the media in Lahore.

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“You get to play alongside domestic and foreign players, and you learn a lot from them. I am looking forward to learning from players like Devon Conway and Mark Chapman.”

Despite the expectations that come with his recent performances, Minhas insisted he feels no added pressure and remains focused on playing his natural game.

“There is no extra pressure on me; Allah has given me a lot of respect, and I will continue to play my natural game the way I always play,” he said.

Sameer Minhas also praised Islamabad United’s management for fostering a supportive environment for young players, reiterating his willingness to adapt to the team’s needs.

“Islamabad United is a very good franchise. They know I usually bat in the top order, and if I get that opportunity, I’ll do well there. But wherever the team needs me, I will give my 100 percent,” he said.

Islamabad United squad for PSL 11

Shadab Khan (c), Salman Irshad, Andries Gous, Devon Conway, Faheem Ashraf, Mehran Mumtaz, Max Bryant, 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: Peshawar Zalmi rope in Brian Bennett for PSL 11

Peshawar Zalmi have signed Zimbabwe emerging batter Brian Bennett for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Zalmi owner Afridi confirmed the news on his social media handle.

“We welcome Brian John Bennett from Zimbabwe to the Zalmi family,” Afridi wrote.

With this, Bennett will join Sikandar Raza as the only other player from Zimbabwe to play in PSL 11.

The signing comes on the back of Bennett’s impressive ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he emerged as the sixth-highest run getter.

The right-hander notched up 292 runs in six matches at a stellar average of 146, including three half-centuries.

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He batted at a strike rate of 134, with a highest score of 97, unbeaten, against India in the Super Eights. Overall, the 22-year-old has played 58 T20Is, scoring 1888 runs, including a century and 12 half-centuries.

Notably, his PSL debut will mark his first appearance in an overseas league.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 behind closed doors across two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The upcoming edition is to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz.

The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

Updated Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 11:

Babar Azam (c), Sufiyan Muqeem, Brian Bennett, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Abdul Samad, Ali Raza, Aaron Hardie, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Haris, Khalid Usman, Abdul Subhan, James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mirza Tahir Baig, Kashif Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Farhan Yousuf and Shoriful Islam.

READ: Multan Sultans appoint Shan Masood as vice-captain for PSL 11

Multan Sultans have named Shan Masood as captain for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The outfit announced the news on social media handles with a video featuring Masood.

“Your Vice Captain – Shaan Masood. Back where he belongs,” the caption of the post read.

Pakistan Test captain Masood previously led the franchise in 2020, winning six out of 12 games and losing four, with a win percentage of 50.

 

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Under his leadership, Multan Sultans missed out on the trophy, losing to Peshawar Zalmi in the final by 47 runs.

Meanwhile, the 2021 winners will be led by Australian all-rounder Ashton Turner.

Turner a seasoned middle-order batter and five-time Big Bash League (BBL) champion has established himself as a T20 specialist across multiple global leagues, including the BBL, Men’s The Hundred, IPL, SA20, and the CPL.

Turner previously played for Multan Sultans in the last PSL season, appearing in three matches and scoring 15 runs.

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He now succeeds Mohammad Rizwan, who captained the Sultans in 58 matches, winning 33 and losing 25, with a win percentage of 56.89%.

Rizwan notably led the team to their maiden PSL title in 2021, defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. However, in PSL 11, Rizwan will be leading the new PSL franchise Pindiz.

Notably, the revival of Multan Sultans for PSL 11 comes after a series of last-minute franchise changes.

The original Sultans franchise was acquired by the Walee Group and rebranded as Pindiz, initially raising doubts about the team’s participation.

However, on March 3, the PSL franchise formerly known as Sialkot Stallionz was rebranded as Multan Sultans following a majority takeover by CD Ventures.

Gohar Shah, CEO of CD Ventures, acquired the majority stake from OZ Developers, who had purchased the franchise for PKR 1.85 billion, raising the franchise’s annual valuation to PKR 2 billion.

Multan Sultans Squad for PSL 11:

Ashton Turner (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Shehzad Gul, Faisal Akram, Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Peter Siddle, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lachlan Shaw, Delano Potgieter, Josh Philippe, Shan Masood, Momin Qamar, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Shahzad, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ismail and Atizaz Habib Khan.

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed is aiming to make a return to the national side with a strong performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Iftikhar, who last played a T20I for Pakistan in 2024, spoke to the media ahead of the start of the tournament.

“PSL preparation is going good,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be as enjoyable without the crowd, but now we have to enjoy without them. The people of Peshawar love cricket so much that the stadium was packed during the National T20 [Cup],” he continued.

The all-rounder also rued not having fans in the stadium for the PSL 11 amid the government’s decision.

“People were waiting for the PSL match, but now the government has decided that the match will not be played in Peshawar,” said Iftikhar.

“I am a professional player, and I plan to play for Pakistan. I want to be the best all-rounder in [PSL] so that I can make a comeback into the Pakistan team,” the 35-year-old maintained.

“Every franchise works professionally. I have played for Peshawar Zalmi before. I hope I will perform well.”

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He also declined any communication regarding comeback with head coach Mike Hesson.

“There has been no contact with Mike Hesson. If I perform, everyone will see it. Performances are not hidden,” he concluded.

Overall, Iftikhar Ahmed has played 78 matches for five PSL franchises, amassing 1134 runs alongside 13 wickets.

For the unversed, PSL 11 will begin on March 26 behind closed doors across two venues, Karachi and Lahore.

The upcoming edition is to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz.

The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across a 39-day window.

READ: PSL 11 official anthem ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’ released

The much-anticipated anthem for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, titled ‘Khelenge Beat Pe’, featuring Atif Aslam, Aima Baig, Sabri Sisters and Daniya Kanwal, was released on Tuesday.

The anthem premiered across PSL’s social media platforms, accompanied by the caption, “The wait is over. The official Pepsi x HBL PSL 11 Anthem has arrived to define a #NewEra. Ab rukna nahi hai, kyunke maidan main aag laga dein ge! Are you ready to Khelenge Beat Pe?”

“The anthem reflects the journey of the league across 10 years as it expands to eight teams for the first time,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

“As the HBL PSL has become a passion for the cricket fans throughout the country, Khelenge Beat Pe tells the story of the tournament that runs through the veins of a whole generation now.

“It is also a vivid rendition of Pakistan’s love for the game of cricket as the sport continues to rule the hearts of millions across the length and breadth of the country.

“And once every year since 2016, the whole nation comes together to celebrate the sport through its own world-class cricketing extravaganza, the HBL PSL.”

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Notably, Atif Aslam has brought his stunning vocals to the PSL for the second time after starring in the PSL 2022 anthem “Agay Dekh”.

Meanwhile, this season will mark Aima’s fourth appearance after entertaining the fans in the 2021 anthem “Groove Mera”, the 2022 anthem and the 2024 anthem “Khul ke khel”.

“The HBL PSL has always stood for world-class cricket, unforgettable entertainment and the incredible passion of our fans,” said PSL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Salman Naseer.

“As we step into Season 11, this anthem represents the evolution of the league and the exciting journey ahead. It reflects where PSL stands today: confident, dynamic and ready to inspire a whole new generation of players and fans.”

READ: Rawalpindiz reveal Jake Fraser-McGurk’s replacement for PSL 11

Quetta Gladiators captain Saud Shakeel has set his sights firmly on securing a place in Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2027 squad, stating that the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 presents a crucial opportunity to impress selectors.

Shakeel has been a mainstay in Pakistan’s Test team; however, he failed to cement a regular place in the ODI format.

He has represented Pakistan in 19 ODI games since his debut in 2021, featuring in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

He has been out of the ODI team since the Champions Trophy match against arch-rivals India in February 2025.

Speaking ahead of the PSL 11, the left-handed batter made it clear that his performances in the league could play a defining role in shaping his international future.

“This season is very important for me. The ODI World Cup is coming up [next year], and I will aim to perform well to get the selectors’ attention,” Shakeel said.

Quetta Gladiators, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition after losing the final to Lahore Qalandars, will begin their campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore.

Under Shakeel’s leadership, the franchise will be looking to build on last season’s momentum while navigating a more competitive format.

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“We had a good performance in the last edition, but now we are starting afresh. Our effort will be to once again play a good brand of cricket,” he said.

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

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

Despite the absence of crowds, Shakeel remains optimistic about maintaining intensity and delivering quality cricket.

“Our passion and energy come from the fans. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to attend, but we would request them to watch from home and support us,” he said.

The upcoming edition marks a significant shift in the league’s structure, with eight teams participating for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz.

“Our aim will be to play a strong brand of cricket again. The competition will be tougher this time with more teams, but we are ready for the challenge,” he added.

With a relatively new pace attack in place, the Gladiators’ skipper also emphasised the importance of finding the right combination early in the tournament.

Quetta Gladiators will begin their PSL 11 campaign against Karachi Kings on March 27 in Lahore, as they aim to go one step further this time and clinch the title.

Quetta Gladiators squad for PSL 11

Saud Shakeel (c), Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Ahmed Daniyal, Jahanzaib Sultan, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Wasim Akram Jnr, Khan Zeb, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Abrar Ahmed, Ben McDermott and Tom Curran.

READ: T20 World Cup 2026 smashed viewing figures: ICC

Pakistan Super League (PSL) newcomers Rawalpindiz have confirmed the signing of New Zealand all-rounder Cole McConchie as a replacement for Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk ahead of the 11th season of the tournament.

The franchise announced the development on Monday, stating that Fraser-McGurk had withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons, paving the way for McConchie’s inclusion.

The 34-year-old brings valuable experience to the squad, having represented New Zealand in 20 T20 Internationals since making his debut in 2021.

In those appearances, he has scored 188 runs and taken 12 wickets, showcasing his utility as a multi-dimensional player.

At the domestic level, McConchie boasts an impressive T20 record, amassing over 2,000 runs, including nine half-centuries, while also claiming 88 wickets in 141 matches.

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Rawalpindiz will begin their PSL campaign on March 28 against Peshawar Zalmi.

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The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across 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, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

Rawalpindiz  Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Yasir Khan, Naseem Shah, Rishad Hossain, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Amir, Cole McConchie, Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Dian Forrester, Laurie Evans, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Shahzaib Khan and Saad Masood.

READ: Richie Richardson set for PSL debut as PCB unveils match officials

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, with former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson set to make his debut in the tournament as a match referee.

Richardson, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, headlines a diverse officiating line-up for the 44-match tournament, which will be played across Lahore and Karachi from March 26 to May 3.

The veteran official is no stranger to Pakistan conditions, having previously overseen four Tests and three T20Is in the country between 2017 and 2024, including the historic T20I series between Pakistan and the World XI at Gaddafi Stadium.

The umpiring panel features a strong blend of elite international officials and experienced local names.

Members of the ICC Elite Panel, Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Allahudien Palekar and Alex Wharf, will be joined by overseas umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Chris Brown.

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Palekar and Saikat are set to make their PSL debuts, adding further international flavour to the officiating group.

The domestic panel includes Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed.

Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka captain Roshan Mahanama will continue his long-standing association with the PSL, returning as a match referee.

Having officiated in 71 PSL matches since 2017, he will lead the playing control team, beginning with the tournament opener between Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

For the opening fixture, Wharf and Ahsan Raza will serve as on-field umpires, with Asif Yaqoob appointed as the TV umpire and Tariq Rasheed taking on fourth umpire duties.

Match officials for PSL 11

Umpires: Ahsan Raza, Chris Gaffaney, Sharfuddoula Saikat, Allahuddien Palekar, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Asif Yaqoob, Rashid Riaz, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Nasir Hussain, Zulfiqar Jan, Abdul Muqeet, Alay Haider, Imran Jawed and Tariq Rasheed

Match Referees: Roshan Mahanama, Sir Richard Richardson, Ali Naqvi, Kamran Chaudhary, Bilal Khilji, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aleem Moosa, Sohail Idrees

READ: PCB unveils star-studded commentary panel for PSL 11

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 23-member bilingual commentary panel for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11, bringing together a mix of international voices and experienced local analysts for the tournament.

Among the notable inclusions is former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who is set to make his debut in the PSL commentary box this season.

Former Australia women’s cricketer Lisa Sthalekar will also return for another stint in the league’s broadcast team.

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik, who has featured in every previous edition of the PSL as a player, will take on a new role this time as part of the Urdu commentary panel.

He will be joined by former Pakistan captains Salman Butt and Sana Mir.

The seven-member exclusive Urdu panel also includes seasoned commentator Tariq Saeed, former Pakistan women’s international Marina Iqbal, Shah Faisal and Ayaz Chaudhary, the winner of Pepsi Voice of Pakistan 2022.

On the English commentary side, Brathwaite will be joined by a host of international names, including South Africa’s Jean-Paul Duminy, England’s Dominic Cork, Nick Knight and Mark Butcher, New Zealand opener Martin Guptill, Australia’s Greg Blewett and Bangladesh’s Athar Ali Khan, alongside the experienced broadcaster Michael Haysman.

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A strong Pakistani presence will also feature in the English panel, with former captains Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Aamir Sohail and Urooj Mumtaz Khan set to provide analysis, while former international Bazid Khan is also part of the line-up.

Former Pakistan all-rounder Sikandar Bakht will take on a dual role this season, appearing as an English commentator while also joining the four-member presenting team.

The presentation line-up will feature international broadcasters Jess Crowe and Neroli Meadows, both making their PSL debut, alongside regular host Zainab Abbas.

PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer welcomed the announcement, expressing confidence that fans will enjoy the experience.

“We are excited to announce a star-studded and insightful commentators’ panel, which comes with years of valuable experience of calling the game behind the mic. I’m sure our fans will enjoy the commentary lineup and their calls over exciting action from home as we inch closer to the beginning of the landmark 11th edition of the HBL PSL.”

Full List of Commentators

English Panel: Aamir Sohail, Athar Ali Khan, Bazid Khan, Carlos Brathwaite, Dominic Cork, Greg Blewett, Jean-Paul Duminy, Lisa Sthalekar, Mark Butcher, Martin Guptill, Michael Haysman, Nick Knight, Ramiz Raja, Sikandar Bakht, Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Wasim Akram.

Exclusive Urdu Panel: Ayaz Chaudhary, Marina Iqbal, Salman Butt, Sana Mir, Shah Faisal, Shoaib Malik and Tariq Saeed.

Presenters: Jess Crowe, Neroli Meadows, Sikandar Bakht and Zainab Abbas.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan clinches ICC Men’s Player of the Month for February 2026

Former champions Peshawar Zalmi have bolstered their squad for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with the signing of young Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim.

The franchise confirmed the development through their official social media platforms, welcoming the left-handed batter with a brief announcement that highlighted his addition as a boost to their top order.

 

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Tamim joins fellow Bangladesh pacers Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam in the Zalmi setup.

While Nahid was picked during the PSL auction, Shoriful was brought in through a direct signing later, further strengthening the franchise’s overseas contingent.

With Tamim’s inclusion, the number of Bangladeshi players in this year’s tournament has risen to six, underlining the growing presence of Bangladesh talent in the PSL.

Among the others, Mustafizur Rahman had secured a deal prior to the draft, while Parvez Hossain Emon was later picked up by Lahore Qalandars.

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Spinner Rishad Hossain, who impressed in the previous edition, has been picked by new entrants RawalPindiz.

The 11th edition of the PSL is set to be a landmark one, featuring eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz. The tournament will comprise 44 matches spread across 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, on Sunday, confirmed that the tournament will now be held across just two venues, Karachi and Lahore, and will be played behind closed doors without spectators.

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