Lahore Qalandars, a perennial powerhouse in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), are gearing up for a historic bid to claim their third title in the upcoming landmark PSL X.
After a disappointing campaign last season, the Qalandars have undergone significant changes in both their squad and management, aiming to strike the right balance and reassert their dominance in the league.
Management Shake-Up
The Qalandars have seen a major overhaul in their management structure. Following Aaqib Javed’s departure, the franchise initially brought in Yorkshire’s Darren Gough for PSL X. However, Gough’s stint ended prematurely after the Global Super League, as he withdrew due to personal reasons.
The reins have now been handed to Russell Domingo, whose experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. Despite the limited time to prepare, Domingo’s leadership could prove pivotal for the Qalandars.
Squad Overview
With the first pick in the PSL draft, Lahore Qalandars secured Daryl Mitchell and assembled a well-rounded squad featuring a mix of international stars and emerging talent. Here’s a look at their roster:
| Player | Category |
|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | Platinum |
| Fakhar Zaman | Platinum |
| Daryl Mitchell | Platinum |
| Haris Rauf | Diamond |
| Sikandar Raza | Diamond |
| Kusal Perera | Diamond |
| Abdullah Shafique | Gold |
| Zaman Khan | Gold |
| Jahandad Khan | Gold |
| David Wiese | Silver |
| Asif Afridi | Silver |
| Rishad Hossain | Silver |
| Mohammad Akhlaq | Silver |
| Asif Ali | Silver |
| Mohammad Azab | Emerging |
| Momin Qamar | Emerging |
| Mohammad Naeem | Supplementary |
| Salman Mirza | Supplementary |
| Sam Billings | Supplementary |
| Tom Curran | Supplementary |
The Top Order Conundrum
Lahore’s top order is once again brimming with options, creating a challenge in finding the right combination.
Fakhar Zaman, one of the most consistent batters in PSL history, is a guaranteed starter. Fakhar’s record is unmatched—he is one of only three local players to score 400+ runs in a PSL season at a strike rate of 150+, a feat he has achieved twice.
The second opener’s spot, however, remains undecided. Options include Kusal Perera, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Akhlaq, with Daryl Mitchell as a regular starter in the middle order.
Abdullah Shafique’s T20 Numbers (Since 2022):
| Position | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opener | 18 | 257 | 14.3 | 108.0 |
| Number 3 | 15 | 526 | 37.6 | 148.2 |
| Number 4 | 4 | 72 | 18.0 | 130.9 |
Daryl Mitchell’s T20 Numbers (Since 2022):
| Position | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number 3 | 15 | 339 | 26.1 | 132.4 |
| Number 4 | 33 | 1004 | 38.6 | 146.4 |
| Number 5 | 35 | 913 | 33.8 | 139.4 |
*Stats provided by Zaid Babar Khan
Given these stats, Abdullah seems best suited for the number 3 position, while Daryl Mitchell could slot in at number 4.
Kusal Perera, despite some recent inconsistency, remains a strong contender for the second opener’s role, offering an aggressive left-handed option in the powerplay and Mohammad Akhlaq’s powerplay bashing could be a ploy that could work well in their favor.
Depth in the Middle-Order
The Qalandars’ middle order is bolstered by the additions of Sam Billings and Asif Ali. Billings, with a strike rate of 150+ at number 5 over the last three years, is expected to play a key role in the middle overs. Asif Ali, known for his explosive hitting, adds significant firepower to the lineup.
Local Death-Over Hitters in PSL (Min. 350 Runs in Overs 17-20):
| Player | Average | Strike Rate | Sixes | Balls Per Six |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 34.0 | 206.1 | 35 | 6.6 |
| Asif Ali | 20.4 | 187.0 | 31 | 6.7 |
*Stats provided by Zaid Babar Khan
David Wiese and Sikandar Raza provide additional depth, though Wiese’s fitness may limit his availability. Raza, however, remains a reliable all-rounder with a proven track record in T20 cricket.
The Fiery Pace Attack
Lahore’s pace attack has been the foundation of their success in recent years. Led by Shaheen Afridi, the Qalandars boast one of the most formidable bowling units in the league.
Shaheen, who holds the record for the most powerplay wickets in PSL history, will be supported by Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and the talented Jahandad Khan.
Most Wickets in Powerplays (PSL):
| Player | Overs | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 126.0 | 33 | 28.4 |
| Hassan Ali | 80.0 | 21 | 30.3 |
*Stats provided by Zaid Babar Khan
Strongest Potential XI
| Fakhar Zaman | Local |
| Mohammad Akhlaq | Local |
| Abdullah Shafique | Local |
| Daryl Mitchell | Foreign |
| Sam Billings (wk) | Foreign |
| Sikandar Raza | Foreign |
| Asif Ali | Local |
| Rishad Hossain | |
| Shaheen Afridi (c) | Local |
| Haris Rauf | Local |
| Mohammad Azab | Emerging |
Final Outlook and Predictions
With a refreshed squad and a proven track record, Lahore Qalandars are well-positioned to make a deep run in PSL X. However, their success will depend on finding the right balance in their playing XI and overcoming the challenges posed by a revamped management structure.
As two-time champions, the Qalandars will be eager to cement their legacy and make history in the league’s landmark 10th edition.
With a host of options and a well-rounded squad, Lahore will be hoping to make their return to the playoffs in PSL 10. It would be a surprise not seeing them qualify for the playoffs given the number of options they have in multiple roles.
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