TOP STORIES
PSL 2026: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars face newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen
The 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League is set to get underway on March 26, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars taking on newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore. The tournament is set to be played under unusual circumstances, as it will be played behind closed doors. This all has happened due to an ongoing fuel shortage linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Additionally, logistical constraints have forced organisers to limit the competition to only two host cities—Lahore and Karachi—with the final scheduled to take place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
Lahore Qalandars head into the new season as one of the most settled sides in the league. Under the leadership of Shaheen Afridi, they have maintained consistency, and they will look forward to taking advantage of continuity that remains their biggest advantage as they aim to defend their title. Their batting lineup continues to revolve around a reliable trio, Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Naeem, who have been reliable performers for the side.
Their middle order is strengthened by experienced campaigners like Asif Ali and Tayyab Tahir. Young stars Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon will further bolster the lineup. Talking about their bowling, their pace attack remains their biggest weapon. Skipper Shaheen Afridi will once again lead the charge alongside Haris Rauf.
The inclusion of Mustafizur Rahman is a massive boost for the side. On the other hand, Hyderabad Kingsmen, making their debut this season, will eye a rollicking start. The side will be led by Marnus Labuschagne. One of their headline signings is Saim Ayub, who commanded the highest price among local players this season. Their line-up features the likes of Sharjeel Khan, Usman Khan, Irfan Khan, Kusal Perera and Shayan Jahangir.
Head-to-head
Matches - 0
Lahore won - 0
Hyderabad won - 0
Lahore Qalandars likely XI: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Sikandar Raza, Hussain Talat, Asif Ali, Dunith Wellalage, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Mustafizur Rahman.
Hyderabad Kingsmen likely XI: Sharjeel Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Usman Khan (wk), Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Riley Meredith, Mohammad Ali, Maheesh Theekshana, Akif Javed
Tags
More News
“If Virat Kohli had been playing this match…”: Ex-Indian player questions India’s intensity in 2nd Test against Sri Lanka
Team India had a tremendous opportunity to end their Test series in Sri Lanka with a convincing 2-0 victory, but a frustrating final day in Colombo made it possible for Sri Lanka to escape with a draw. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif felt that Sri Lanka managed to secure a draw due to a lack of urgency from the Indian side. Moreover, Kaif felt that Virat...
“I smiled when…”: Suryakumar Yadav opens up on shock exit as India’s T20I captain
Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence after being dropped from the Indian team soon after leading the side to the T20 World Cup title. Yadav, who had lifted the trophy as captain and remained unbeaten in series during his tenure, has shared his thoughts as to how he viewed the situation. Suryakumar said he tried to look at the matter from the other side....
“He has temporarily sealed the No.3 spot”; Rahane lauds Devdutt Padikkal
Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal pounced on the landed opportunity, showing the batting brilliance he could bring to India’s Test side. Given a chance after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out due to injury, Padikkal responded in emphatic fashion, turning his chance in Sri Lanka into one of the most impressive individual performances of the series. He was already high on...
"Honestly, the batting is a concern": Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed
Pakistan’s struggles with the bat have taken another worrying turn at Lord’s, leaving head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed searching for answers after the disappointing first innings of the second Test against England on Friday. They were bowled out for 110, allowing England to have a huge 180-run advantage in the first innings. The batting concern was not simply the result of one poor se...
Lyca Kovai Kings crowned TNPL 2026 champions
Lyca Kovai Kings ended their TNPL 2026 campaign brilliantly, racing to an 84-run victory over Siechem Madurai Panthers in the final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday to secure their third TNPL title. After deciding to bat, Kovai Kings set out to build a challenging total, finishing at 182/7 in 20 overs, with young batter Andre Siddarth unleashing a brutal...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter