Shaheen Shah Afridi to lead Team of HBL-PSL-X

LAHORE: Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led Lahore Qalandars to their third title in four years in HBL-PSL last night, has been named captain of the Team of HBL-PSL-X. The team was selected by the esteemed members of the commentary team.
The HBL-PSL-X was played across four cities; Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11th April to 25th May. In the final, Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The 25 year old Shaheen, not only claimed the Fazal Mahmood Cap for finishing as the highest wicket taker, 19 dismissals in 13 matches, but also leads a team that features two of his Qalandars teammates. Sikandar Raza (11 matches, 254 runs, 2x50s, 10 wickets) and Fakhar Zaman (13 matches, 439 runs, 4x50s) earned their places on the back of stellar performances in the tournament.
Gladiators – the winners of the 2019 edition of HBL-PSL are also represented by three players. 23 year old Pakistan international Hasan Nawaz, who was also adjudged best batter of the tournament (12 matches, 399 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) is joined by experienced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (12 matches, 163 runs, 17 wickets) and 27 year old spinner Abrar Ahmed (12 matches, 17 wickets).
Karachi Kings, who secured third place on the points table before losing to Qalandars in Eliminator-1 on 22nd May at Gaddafi Stadium, also have three representatives. Captain David Warner (11 matches, 368 runs, 3x50s), opening partner James Vince (378 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) and pacer Hasan Ali (10 matches, 17 wickets) all feature in the XI. Khushdil Shah (11 matches, 253 runs, 1x50, seven wickets) is named as the 12th man.
Islamabad United's Sahibzada Farhan, who earned the Hanif Mohammad Cap for leading the run charts with 449 runs in 12 matches (1x100, 3x50s), is the sole representative from his side. Completing the line-up is Peshawar Zalmi's emerging talent, fast bowler Ali Raza, who took 12 wickets in nine matches.
It may be noted that Shaheen Shah Afridi's Lahore Qalandars romped to their third HBL PSL title in four years as they beat Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in a thrilling last-over finale here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday night in front of a packed house.
The successful 202-run chase by Qalandars is also the highest target surmounted by a team in a T20 final.
Squad: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars), Sahibzada Farhan (Islamabad United) (wicket-keeper), David Warner (Karachi Kings), James Vince (Karachi Kings), Hasan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators), Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars), Faheem Ashraf (Quetta Gladiators), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) (captain), Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings), Ali Raza (Peshawar Zalmi) (emerging), Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators), Khushdil Shah (Karachi Kings) (12th).
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Express Tribune

12-06-2025

• Express Tribune

PSL11 likely to clash with IPL again

Like the 10th edition, the HBL Pakistan Super League season 11 is also likely to take place alongside the Indian Premier League in April-May next year. In that case, the home series against Zimbabwe will have to be rescheduled. Given the limited time, the proposal to hold the tournament this December seems highly difficult to implement. According to details, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is traditionally held in February-March, but this year, due to the ICC Champions Trophy being hosted in Pakistan, the event was pushed to April and May, overlapping with the IPL schedule. Next year, the ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled for February-March, forcing Pakistan to find new dates for its league. A proposal was made to hold the PSL in December-January, but due to unresolved key issues, organizing it that early seems unlikely. During this window, the PCB may instead hold the domestic Pentangular Cup, involving top star cricketers. Earlier this year, it was announced that PSL would be made into a separate company, and Salman Naseer has started working as its CEO. However, no major appointments have been made in other departments yet. With 10 editions now completed, the valuation of the existing six franchise teams will be carried out, following which a 25% increase in franchise fees is expected. Last December, all teams had confirmed in writing their intent to retain ownership. However, Multan Sultans' owner, Ali Tareen, repeatedly voiced concerns about financial losses. He has been silent recently, so it remains unclear whether he will keep the team or go for rebidding. Notably, this team currently pays over one billion rupees annually in fees, making it the most expensive franchise. Similarly, the board had announced the inclusion of two new teams starting from the 11th edition, but no progress has been made on that front either. Sources revealed that the 10-year title sponsorship agreement also needs to be renewed. There will be separate contracts for ground sponsorship in 8–10 categories, and for both local and international broadcasting. A new deal for live streaming will also be required. Currently, PCB earns about PKR 900 million annually from the title sponsorship. Last year, live streaming rights for Pakistan were sold for approximately PKR 1.8 billion. Local broadcast rights generated around PKR 6.3 billion, while international rights brought in $4.6 million. Ground rights were sold for around PKR 2 billion for two years. For TV production, PCB signed a two-year deal worth $2.25 million annually. Tenders will be issued for all these agreements, followed by lengthy processes. If the current format continues With the inclusion of two new teams, the number of PSL matches will rise from 34 to 54. Consequently, the value of all associated deals is expected to increase by about 30%. However, it is yet to be decided whether the new teams will follow the current financial model or if a new approach will be adopted. Franchise sources confirmed that the board has not yet discussed new teams with them, let alone any financial models. The final dates for PSL 11 have not yet been confirmed, though holding the tournament in April-May next year seems likely. A joint email was sent by franchises requesting a meeting of the PSL Governing Council to discuss key matters of the league. A response is expected in coming days. It's worth noting that the Pakistan team has a home series against Sri Lanka in November, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is. December and January have been kept open for domestic events. In February, Australia is scheduled to visit for three T20Is, and the T20 World Cup will follow in February-March. In March, Australia will return for three ODIs, and at the end of March and in April, Pakistan is set to tour Bangladesh for two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Zimbabwe's team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in April-May for three ODIs and three T20Is. To hold the PSL during this window, the PCB will have to reschedule the Zimbabwe series. Sources added that franchises' concerns about scheduling clashes with the IPL have decreased after the 10th edition. However, broadcasters and rights holders still have differing views. Holding PSL alongside IPL in April-May next year is a possibility, but a final decision will be made later.

Express Tribune

11-06-2025

• Express Tribune

PCB grants NOCs to top Pakistani players for participation in leagues

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to a select group of players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, enabling them to participate in various high-profile international leagues this summer. This move comes as part of the board's broader strategy to give players valuable exposure while balancing their workload. According to the PCB's announcement, centrally contracted players are permitted to participate in only two foreign leagues per calendar year. The issuance of NOCs is therefore contingent on this rule, which the PCB uses to maintain a balance between players' international commitments and their opportunities to play in lucrative franchise competitions. Breakdown of Players and Leagues Several Pakistani cricketers are set to feature in some of the most renowned international leagues this summer. Among those granted NOCs are: Big Bash League: Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan County Cricket : Mohammad Amir, Shan Masood, Kashif Ali, Abbas Afridi, Khawaja Khurram, Hasan Ali Global Super League : Khawaja Nafay, Muhammad Nawaz Caribbean Premier League: Muhammad Nawaz, Hassan Khan Although Babar Azam's name has not yet appeared in the first phase of registrations for the Big Bash League (BBL) draft, the inclusion of his name in the PCB's NOC list suggests that he will be available for selection. The BBL 15 Draft, scheduled for June 19, 2025, will see several Pakistani players included in the pool, marking the first time players from Pakistan will be eligible for an entire BBL season. The NOCs, issued as a result of the PCB's strategic planning, aim to keep the players match-ready during off-seasons and offer them the chance to hone their skills in different playing conditions. This exposure is expected to help them return to national duty in top form, ready for key tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup. The PCB's approach also aligns with the shifting dynamics of the global cricket calendar, which increasingly features overlapping franchise leagues. By allowing its top players to participate, the PCB ensures that they remain engaged with the game while preparing for future international commitments. Furthermore, with the rise of franchise cricket, the PCB's decision also reflects an understanding of the financial and career opportunities available to players through these leagues. The board's policy ensures that these opportunities are balanced with the players' national commitments, preventing burnout and allowing them to stay fresh and motivated. As the summer's international leagues approach, the PCB's strategic moves will help its players stay at the top of their game while contributing to the ongoing growth of Pakistani cricket on the global stage.

Express Tribune

30-05-2025

• Express Tribune

Pakistan opt to bat first against Bangladesh in second T20I

Listen to article Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first against Bangladesh in the second T20 International at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. The hosts made one change to their line-up, bringing in Sahibzada Farhan in place of Fakhar Zaman. Farhan was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL), amassing 449 runs. Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0 after defeating Bangladesh by 37 runs in the opening T20I on Wednesday. Pakistan XI: Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed. Bangladesh XI: Litton Das (Captain & wk), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam