General Pakistan Super League 9 - 2024

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Proposed schedule for PSL 9 revealed​

Karachi will host 11 matches, followed by Lahore and Rawalpindi, each hosting 9 games, and Multan contributing 5 matches to the lineup

Saleem Khaliq in Karachi​

05 January, 2024

PHOTO: PCB

The proposed schedule of ninth edition of Pakistan Super League has been unveiled, outlining a total of 34 matches to be contested.
Karachi will host 11 matches, followed by Lahore and Rawalpindi, each hosting 9 games, and Multan contributing 5 matches to the lineup.

Notably, teams like Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans are slated to participate in 5 home-ground matches each. Peshawar Zalmi is scheduled to play 4 matches each in both Lahore and Rawalpindi. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators are designated to play 3 matches each in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

A comprehensive allocation of 15 rest days is incorporated into the schedule for all participating teams. Karachi Kings will feature prominently in night matches, engaging in 9 such encounters, while Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars, and Multan Sultans are set for 8 night games each. Peshawar Zalmi is slated for 7 night matches.

The teams are expected to assemble on February 12, with practice sessions and matches commencing from the subsequent day and extending until the 16th of the month. It is important to note that this schedule is provisional, and adjustments may be implemented following consultations with PSL franchises.

Proposed PSL 9 schedule:

Feb 17: Qalandars vs United in Lahore
Feb 18: Gladiators vs Zalmi in Lahore and Sultans vs Kings in Multan
Feb 19: Qalandars vs Gladiators in Lahore
Feb 20: Sultans vs United in Multan
Feb 21: Zalmi vs Kings in Lahore and Sultans vs Qalandars in Multan
Feb 22: Gladiators vs United in Lahore
Feb 23: Sultans vs Zalmi in Multan
Feb 24: Qalandars vs Kings in Lahore
Feb 25: Sultans vs Gladiators in Multan and Qalandars vs Zalmi in Lahore
Feb 26: Zalmi vs United in Lahore
Feb 27: Qalandars vs Sultans in Lahore
Feb 28: Kings vs United in Karachi
Feb 29: Rest day
Mar 1: Zalmi vs Qalandars and United vs Gladiators in Pindi
Mar 2: Kings vs Sultans in Karachi
Mar 3: United vs Zalmi in Pindi
Mar 4: Kings vs Gladiators in Karachi
Mar 5: Zalmi vs Sultans in Pindi
Mar 6: United vs Qalandars and Gladiators vs Kings in Pindi
Mar 7: United vs Kings in Pindi
Mar 8: Zalmi vs Gladiators in Pindi
Mar 9: Kings vs Qalandars in Karachi
Mar 10: United vs Sultans and Gladiators vs Qalandars in Pindi
Mar 11: Kings vs Zalmi in Karachi
Mar 12: Gladiators vs Sultans in Karachi
Mar 13: Rest day
Mar 14: Qualifier (Team 1 vs Team 2) and Eliminator 1 (Team 3 vs Team 4) in Karachi
Mar 15: Eliminator 2 (Eliminator winner vs Qualifer runner-up) in Karachi
Mar 16: Rest day
Mar 17: Final in Karachi

 

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PSL 9 to begin on Feb 17, Lahore to host opener​

Imran Siddique
January 12, 2024

The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League will commence on February 17 in Lahore with the opening match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, according to the tournament schedule issued on Friday.

“The marquee event will be played in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18,” said a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Zaka Ashraf, chairman of the PCB’s Management Committee, said the decision to host the marquee event across the four cities was “a testament to our commitment to bring top-notch cricket to fans across the country”.

“We believe that hosting matches in these venues not only adds to the excitement for fans but also promotes cricket at the grassroots level. As we gear up for this spectacular event, we look forward to witnessing thrilling action and creating unforgettable moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide,” Ashraf said.

According to the schedule, Karachi will host 11 matches, including the qualifier, two eliminators and the final. Meanwhile, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will each host nine matches while Multan will host five matches.

“The much-anticipated contest between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings will be played on Feb 24 and Mar 9. Gaddafi Stadium will stage the Feb 24 contest while National Bank Stadium will see Qalandars and Kings locking horns on Mar 9.

“Kings, Qalandars, Sultans and United will play five matches at their home ground while Peshawar Zalmi will play four matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium,” the PCB press release said.

It added that Quetta Gladiators will play three matches each in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. They will play one match at the Multan Cricket Stadium against the home side Sultans on Feb 25.

As per the schedule, the tournament will take place in two legs with Multan Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches between them from Feb 17-27.

The league will then move to Pindi Cricket Stadium and National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be played from Feb 28-Mar 12. Afterwards, the tournament will move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.

Schedule​

• Feb 17: Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 18: Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium
• Feb 19: Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 20: Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United, Multan Cricket Stadium
• Feb 21: Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore; Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars, Multan Cricket Stadium
• Feb 22: Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 23: Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium
• Feb 24: Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 25: Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium; Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 26: Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 27: Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore
• Feb 28: Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium
• Feb 29: Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium
• Mar 2: Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
• Mar 3: Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium
• Mar 4: Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium
• Mar 5: Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium
• Mar 6: Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium
• Mar 7: Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium
• Mar 8: Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium
• Mar 9: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium
• Mar 10: Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans, Pindi Cricket Stadium; Quetta Gladiators vs Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium
• Mar 11: Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium
• Mar 12: Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium
• Mar 14: Qualifier (1 vs 2), National Bank Stadium
• Mar 15: Eliminator 1 (3 vs 4), National Bank Stadium
• Mar 16: Eliminator 2 (eliminator winner vs qualifier runner-up), National Bank Stadium
• Mar 18: Final, National Bank Stadium

 

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Blow to Lahore Qalandars: Key player to miss PSL 9​

Lahore Qalandars, has been deprived of leg spinner Rashid Khan

Muhammad Yousaf Anjum​

17 January, 2024

PHOTO: PSL

The defending champions of the Pakistan Super League, Lahore Qalandars, has been deprived of leg spinner Rashid Khan.

Afghanistan's Rashid has suffered a back injury, and has underwent a surgery. Rashid Khan has informed the management of Lahore Qalandars about his unavailability.

The Afghan all-rounder has been an integral part of Qalandars team and has contributed significantly in making Qalandars two-time champions of PSL.

The Pakistan Super League event is scheduled to take place in Lahore from February 17, and Rashid's absence is a significant setback for Lahore Qalandars.

Shaheen-led Qalandars will have the opportunity to acquire a replacement for Rashid in the supplementary and replacement draft, as confirmed by the PCB, scheduled to take place virtually on Monday.

Lahore Qalandars' Chief Executive, Atif Rana, while talking to media expressed regret over Rashid's absence.

"It is upsetting that we have been deprived of Rashid Khan. He is a big name and a match-winner. No one can replace Rashid completely. Efforts will be made to include a good player in the squad in place of Rashid," Rana said.

It is worth noting that earlier Afghanistan's head coach, Jonathan Trott, also expressed the team's cautious approach to managing Rashid's injury.

Trott emphasized the importance of handling Rashid's recovery with care, given his significant influence on the team.

"It is a case of us making sure that we are really careful with his back," Trott said. "He is such an influential player, we have to make sure he is 100% ready and not rush him back from that type of surgery. It is important to give him the right time and he is working extremely hard and he is here with the team," Trott said.

Lahore Qalandars are also set to secure a temporary replacement for Dan Lawrence, who joined England's Test squad against India following Harry Brook's withdrawal for personal reasons. Noor Ahmad, initially selected as a platinum player for Peshawar Zalmi, has opted out due to international commitments. Additionally, Zalmi will be making arrangements for a stand-in player for Naveen-ul-Haq.

Karachi Kings are set to enlist temporary replacements for Kieron Pollard and Tim Seifert, while Quetta Gladiators are in search of a stand-in for Wanindu Hasaranga.

Tom Curran, who sustained a knee injury in the Big Bash League, has opted out of the entire PSL season despite being initially picked by Islamabad United.

 

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PSL season 9 trophy unveiled in Lahore​

Abdul Ghaffar
February 13, 2024

PSL captains unveil the trophy in Race Course Park Lahore on February 13.

The trophy for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was unveiled at the Polo Ground of Race Course Park in Lahore on Tuesday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said.

A press release issued by the board said the ceremony was attended by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, franchise owners, HBL representatives and star cricketers.

It said that this year’s trophy was called the “Orion Trophy”, adding that it was made from pure silver and coated in white gold.

The press release quoted Naqvi as saying that the tournament “continues to be a success story for Pakistan cricket”.

“Today, as we unveil this Orion trophy, we look forward to a month-long celebration of the beautiful game of cricket and the excitement and drama that accompanies it,” he said.

He also wished all the teams best of luck for the tournament, saying, “May the best team lift this prestigious trophy”.

Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said in the press release that his side was ready to “turn the tables” in this edition of the tournament with their “breathtaking performances”.

Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Officer Atif Rana said that he was eagerly looking forward to completing a hat-trick of triumphs for the first time in the history of the league.

The Qalandars have won the last two editions of the tournament.

“We have stacked up our resources this season as well and aim to hit the ground running in the tournament,” he said, adding that his side would put in all their efforts to lift the trophy in Karachi.

Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said he was excited about the ninth edition of the league and was excited to extend Islamabad’s success with a “grand triumph”.

“We had one of the best drafts in our history and some of the most exciting players will be lining up for Islamabad United this season. I can’t wait to watch the team play at the home ground in Rawalpindi and win the hearts of the fans,” he said.

Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen said: “A lot has happened between this season and the past season and I want to make sure that the Sultans maintain consistency in their performances this year as well.”

Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi said that his Babar Azam-led side was ready to make their mark in the tournament.

“I promise you that Peshawar Zalmi will continue to play the attacking style of cricket this year as well,” he said.

Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said: “We have had our fair share of struggles in the recent seasons but it is about time that Gladiators showcase good fight and determination and HBL PSL 9 is a befitting time to be doing that.

“We are looking forward to taking on all five teams and proving our mettle at all the four venues,” he said.

The ninth edition of the tournament will begin from February 17 in Lahore, with two-time winners and defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on winners of the 2016 and 2018 editions Islamabad United.

It will be played in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.

 

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PSL 2024: Gauging the strengths and weaknesses of the six sides​

With the new edition of the T20 tournament set to kick off tonight, here is a review of each of its participants.

Syed Muhammad Zaid
February 17, 2024

The 2024 Pakistan Super League will commence tonight (Saturday) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where defending champions and local favourites Lahore Qalandars will take on Islamabad United in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.

Ahead of the new season, Dawn.com took a magnifier to each of the six teams, and here is our assessment of what they look like on paper:

Islamabad United​

Two-time winners Islamabad United have immense firepower at the top — something all versions of their batting lineup over the years have had.

With Alex Hales and Colin Munro up top, anchors Salman Agha and Qasim Akram in the middle and skipper Shadab Khan and Azam Khan there for late fireworks, the capital city side could pile up big scores in a hurry.

Islamabad Skipper Shadab Khan in action.—File Photo


The side lacks depth in bowling but Shadab, Naseem Shah, and Imad Wasim make for a decent unit — if not the best. Pacer Tom Curran has been ruled out due to injury, which means Rumman Raees, Tymal Mills and Faheem Ashraf will be relied upon more than usual.

United also have Naseem’s younger brother Ubaid Shah on their books. The young pacer was brilliant in the recent under-19 World Cup so it’d be interesting how he fares in the PSL alongside his elder sibling.

Multan Sultans​

While Islamabad have batting as their main strength, Multan Sultans’ power is in their bowling — especially their pace.

Names such as David Willey, Chris Jordan, Ihsanullah, Abbas Afridi and Shahnawaz Dahani will be the shouldering the bowling burden, whereas skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Dawid Malan, Reeze Hendricks, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah are the notable batting options.

The Sultans have also signed Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Shahzad — two solid batters who can score at a strike rate of 170+ when required.

MULTAN Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan attempts an unorthodox shot during the match against Karachi Kings on Saturday.—White Star/File Photo


On the spin front, the Sultans have picked emerging left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram alongside leggie Usama Mir.

Karachi Kings​

Since their PSL triumph in 2020, the Kings have not made it past the first round of playoffs, with a common criticism over the years being their precariously calculated strategy which often did not go as planned.

Perhaps to inject more aggression, the Kings revamped their side, but surprisingly brought in the national Test captain Shan Masood and pacer Hasan Ali, who some say is already past his prime.

Karachi Kings’ Shoaib Malik (R) plays a shot as Multan Sultans’ captain wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan watches during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 cricket match between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan on February 22, 2023. — AFP/File


The Kings of 2024 have several new names but are still somehow a little short of out and out firepower. Skipper Masood, Shoaib Malik, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan and Anwar Ali can all be relied upon to put in shifts but can anyone of them win a game singlehandedly anymore? Likely not.

To make matters rose, James Vince and Tabraiz Shamsi will also not be available for the tournament.

The Kings do have Caribbean legend Kieron Pollard but at the age of 36 it might just be asking too much of him to inject some flair in this otherwise dull-ish unit.

Lahore Qalandars​

Since Shaheen Shah Afridi took over their captaincy a few years ago, Lahore Qalandars have become a completely different unit. They always had superb bowlers but now they have also learnt how to win matches and even championships.

Pair Afridi with Haris Rauf, David Wiese, Sikandar Raza and Zaman Khan, and they become a scary unit of ball hurlers. It could have been even better had they had the services of Rashid Khan, who has been a regular for Qalandars but is currently out injured.

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi celebrates taking a wicket in PSL 2022 final. Photo: PSL/Twitter/File


Qalandars also possess a stable batting lineup that sees them rely on southpaw Fakhar Zaman and the stylish Abdullah Shafique up top. Then there is Sahibzada Farhan, Shai Hope, Kamran Ghulam, Rassie Van der Dussen and youngster Mirza Baig.

Rauf’s recent troubles with the PCB could do one of these things: he either fades into irrelevance or takes out his anger on PSL batters. If latter’s the case, Lahore could have a decent shot at becoming the first PSL side to three-peat.

Peshawar Zalmi​

Of all the PSL batting units, Peshawar Zalmi’s has the most ideal set of T20 batters in the form of Saim Ayub, Rovman Powell, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and even Asif Ali. If the quartet clicks regularly, then the the 200-run mark should be breached often.

To support the big hitting, a side needs an anchor, and Zalmi have arguably the best anchor in the business in the form of Babar Azam.

It will be interesting to see how the former Pakistan captain paces himself around such firepower while having a point to prove himself regarding his own strike rate in the format.

Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam plays a shot during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Twenty20 cricket eliminator match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on March 16. — AFP/File


What they boast in batting, they don’t in bowling. In fact, some could dub them the weakest bowling unit in the league.

Names such as Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad are unlikely to strike fear into the hearts of any batters just yet, which means Zalmi could frequently need larger contributions from their batters to cover for their bowling unit’s deficiencies.

Zalmi have also picked South African Lungi Ngidi and Shamar Joseph, the West Indies pacer who recently helped his side to their first Test win in Australia since 1997. They are, however, unlikely to be available for the entire tournament.

Quetta Gladiators​

Under new captaincy, Quetta Gladiators are a balanced squad with no obvious weakness in any department. If one has to nitpick, perhaps spin could be their one weak area.

Jason Roy and Will Smeed will open the innings for the Gladiators, and both can take advantage of the first six overs of the game. Sarfaraz Ahmed, Rilee Rossouw and Sherfane Rutherford would follow the pair with all three batters capable of playing through the innings while scoring quickly.

Test batter Saud Shakeel, the newly appointed vice-captain of Quetta Gladiators, would also be keen to justify his elevation.

Quetta Gladiators in action. — Photo courtesy PSL Twitter/File


The Gladiators have Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, veteran Sohail Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr as their fast bowling options.

 

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PSL glitz returns to screens from today​

Mohammad Yaqoob
February 17, 2024

SHADAB Khan (left) and Shaheen Shah Afridi address pre-match press conferences on Friday.—White Star

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United are all set to lock horns in the opening clash of the ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Saturday night.

Both the teams have two titles to their name each. While the Qalandars have won back-to-back editions in 2022 and 2023, United clinched the inaugural season in 2016 and then in 2018.

The new edition’s first ball will be bowled at 8.00pm after the conclusion of what is expected to be a colourful opening ceremony, which is set to start at 6.30pm.

Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi — under whose captaincy the side won their first two titles after going trophy-less in the first six seasons — and Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan addressed pre-match press conferences here on Friday.

Qalandars, United set to lock horns after star-studded opening ceremony

“We have won back to back editions of the PSL and now we will try to clinch the title for the third consecutive time,” Shaheen, who is also Pakistan’s T20 captain, said.

Qalandars go into the season without the services of a major strike bowler in Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, but Shaheen believed his team’s squad was balanced.

“Though we do not have the services of Rashid Khan, our picks have been strong and we are satisfied with the combination,” he said. “We will miss Rashid as he has played a pivotal role in our wins in the last two editions.”

Pakistan pace sensation Naseem Shah has also returned from injury to play his first season for United, who have also picked his brothers — also pace bowlers — Hunain Shah and Ubaid Shah, who was impressive for Pakistan in the recent U-19 World Cup, in the emerging players category.

Shaheen expressed his happiness about Naseem’s return, while also providing his views on his brothers.

“He is back to play for Islamabad after recovering from his fitness problems and we all pray for his good performance so that he could come back in the Pakistan team,” he said, while adding that he believed that Ubaid was quicker than Naseem.

Shaheen said he expected the Gaddafi Stadium crowd to stand behind the Qalandars while admitting he was looking to keep his pace restricted between 135-140 kmph mark.

The left-armer said he expected his fellow Qalandars pacers Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan to capitalise on their abilities, while noting that the team needed to bring out its best in all departments of the game.

Meanwhile, Shadab, who has also recovered from fitness problems recently after a long period, said he had come back in the PSL with a positive mindset.

About the return of Naseem, Shadab said the bowler needed to be given time to reach the top of his performance after what was a significant injury.

“My prayers for Naseem, who is coming back after a long time, and he may take some time to get back,” he said.

Shadab said the Qalandars were strong rivals to United and that they weren’t an easy side to beat but added that his team was capable of performing well according to the situation.

That, the former Pakistan vice-captain added, required unity among the players. Shadab, like Shaheen, also hoped the Lahore crowd would back the Islamabad outfit.

Shadab said his performances before his injury weren’t up to the mark and the criticism hurled towards him was not unfair.

 

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