When Lahore Qalandars (LQ) finished in fourth position of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025/26 group-stage with five victories in 10 games at a net run rate of 1.036, no one gave them a chance to qualify for the final, let alone lift the title. But a sensational performance in the final against Quetta Gladiators saw them win the title. 

In the platinum category, the management decided to retain their left-arm pacer and captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is one of the premier pacers of the national side, especially in the shortest format of the game. In the last season of the league, he picked up 19 wickets in just twelve innings at an average of 16.42, a strike rate of 12.6, and an economy rate of 7.76.

See Also: List of retained players for Quetta Gladiators (QG) ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026

The second player to get retained in the diamond category for the Lahore franchise is Abdullah Shafique. The right-handed opening bat of the franchise collected 390 runs in 13 innings at an average of 32.50, and the strike rate of nearly 150, shouldering on three half-centuries.

List of Lahore Qalandars’ retained players ahead of PSL 2026

In the gold category, there was no doubt of the management keeping the Zimbabwe captain and the spin all-rounder, Sikander Raza, who hit the winning run for the side in the previous final. The veteran of the shortest format of the game smashed 254 runs in 10 innings during the last season of the tournament at a strike rate of nearly 170, thanks to his couple of half-centuries.

Even with the ball, the spinner picked up 10 wickets at an average of 17.20 and an economy rate of 7.75, which was his best season with the ball in PSL history. Mohammad Naeem is the player in the silver category.

The right-handed batter featured in his maiden season of the PSL in 2025, where he blasted three 114 runs in 12 innings at an average of 26.16 and a strike rate of more than 160, thanks to his three half-centuries at the best score of 65.

Lahore Qalandars’ retained players ahead of PSL 2026

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)

Bizarre scenes took place during Lahore Qalandar’s event ahead of the 2026 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where the franchise’s captain, the left-arm pacer of the national side, Shaheen Shah Afridi, was present. It was one of the questions from Afridi, where he asked the fans whether they want the prime pacer of the side, Haris Rauf, in the next edition of the tournament. 

Quite shockingly, the fans denied the inclusion of the pacer as the video went viral on social media platforms. Haris Rauf has overall picked up 83 wickets for the Lahore franchise in seven seasons of the tournament, with 17 wickets coming in 12 innings at an average of 25.70, thanks to the best bowling figures of 4/31 in the last season.

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He has been excellent in the middle overs, making it hard for the batters to play his thunderbolt deliveries, with Afridi himself picking up wickets with the new ball inside the power play. Their partnership with the ball has brought several successes for the side in the last few seasons of the event.

Lahore Qalandars fans deny Haris Rauf’s inclusion ahead of PSL 2026

The question actually came from the left-handed opening batter of the side, Fakhar Zaman, who is also a successful campaigner for the team with close to 3000 runs in 97 innings at a strike rate of more than 140, thanks to two centuries and 23 half-centuries.

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The previous season of the tournament was his second successful campaign when he notched up 439 runs in 13 innings at an average of over 33 and a strike rate of more than 150, thanks to his four half-centuries at the best score of 76 runs.

In the previous season of the tournament, Lahore won the championship on the penultimate ball against the Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium by 6 wickets, where their number four batter, Kushal Perera, ended as the leading run-getter individually with 62 undefeated runs in 31 deliveries, thanks to his five boundaries and four sixes.

The upcoming clash between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) was anticipated much earlier than usual due to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup taking place in February. The PSL will increase its number of teams with the addition of two new franchises, Hyderabad and Sialkot. The PCB are in the process of taking the PSL through many changes, including possible changes to the structure, with one of them being to incorporate a player auction system similar to the position currently held by the IPL. These changes mark an important transition for the PSL in order to continue to grow and develop.

Since its inception, the PSL has always selected players through a non-auction Draft-based System each season. Over the past few years, there have been numerous requests for a transition to an auction System, with many fans and supporters believing that Auctions will give franchises more options when constructing their roster. Sources indicate that franchises such as Karachi Kings, Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators have indicated they would like to see the current Draft replaced with an Auction format, as they believe an Auction format could make the league more competitive and commercially viable while at the same time bringing the PSL in line with other leading T20 leagues.

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Conversely, with a whole other perspective on things is Lahore Qalandars, who are the only team to currently support retaining the Draft System because it promotes equity and fairness among all teams. As for Peshawar Zalmi, they have not yet expressed their opinion to the PCB, so at this time we don't know where they stand. The PCB has also not indicated whether they require all franchises to unanimously agree or if simply having a majority vote will allow for implementing the Auction. Therefore, until a clear decision is made by the PCB, the structure for signing players in the PSL remains unknown.

How the PSL Draft System Works and Why It Faces Criticism

Currently, the PSL uses a draft system for selecting players. There are six franchises in the PSL and six different categories of players: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Emerging, and Supplementary. Each franchise selects its players in a specific order, which is determined by the PCB and is typically based on the results of the previous season or the agreements between franchise owners. The draft starts with the Platinum category because these players receive the most money.

The PSL's draft method has been met with criticism in the past due to many reasons, but primarily lack of transparency around how the draft order is decided. This has caused speculation and dissatisfaction among franchises regarding their draft order. The draft restricts teams from being able to create strategies because franchises cannot compete aggressively for marquee players. Those who support an auction model believe that auctions would create more access to players, more Flexibility, and more excitement for building teams in accordance with their tactical strategies.

The Final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 will take place on May 25, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore at 7:30 PM IST between Quetta Gladiators (QUE) and Lahore Qalandars (LAH). QUE will look for their second PSL Title and first since 2019, backed by a strong batting lineup and some very disciplined bowling. LAH comes into the final with two PSL titles in their last two tournaments, and they are halting their efforts for a third title with recent form and with the support of their local crowd driven by Fakhar Zaman's 309 runs in the postseason. The Gaddafi pitch has always traditionally favored batting, with the potential for a score like that turning up early with assistance to pacers in the early overs helping teams at the toss. It should be an entertaining finish to PSL 10 with playoff-worthy batting on both sides and a quality bowling showcase.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 19
• QUE Wins: 9
• LAH Wins: 9
• No Result: 1
• Win %: The rivalry is evenly poised, with both QUE and LAH securing 9 wins each in 19 matches, setting up an intense final showdown.

Key Matches: QUE vs LAH

PSL 2025, match 4 - April 13, Rawalpindi

• Lahore Qalandars: 219/6 in 20 overs.
• Quetta Gladiators: 140/10 in 16.2 overs.
• Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 79 runs.

LAH put up a huge 219, led by an innings of 67 from Fakhar Zaman off just 39 balls, and, unbeaten, Sam Billings scored a flurry of 50 off 19 balls. QUE's chase had a disastrous start at 9/3, before Shaheen Afridi (2/6) and Rishad Hossain (3/31) ran through their batting order. Faheem Ashraf's 21 was not enough, and Asif Afridi finished the game off.

PSL 2025, match 21 - May 1, Lahore 

• Lahore Qalandars: 111/3 in 11.3 overs.
• Quetta Gladiators: no result due to rain.
• Result: match abandoned.

LAH was off to a flying start with an opening partnership of 102 between Mohammad Naeem (50 off 30) and Abdullah Shafique (53* off 34) before a dust storm followed by heavy rain ended play after 11.3 overs. QUE captain Saud Shakeel's decision to field first backfired as LAH batsmen made the most of QUE's bowlers, but unfortunately, due to the poor drainage, this match has ended in no result. 

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PSL 2024, Match 28 - March 12, Karachi 

• Quetta Gladiators: 166/4 in 20 overs
• Lahore Qalandars: 162/7 in 20 overs
• Result: Quetta Gladiators Won by 4 Runs

QUE set a paragraph-worthy 166 with 52 on top from Saud Shakeel and 45 from Jason Roy. LAH got themselves into the game with Fakhar Zaman leading their chase with 54, but were left chasing with Mohammad Amir's final over, as he picked up 2/25, and congratulated Abrar Ahmed’s key wicket to Sikandar Raza (2/28).

PSL 2023, match 18 - March 2, Lahore

• Quetta Gladiators: 148/7 in 20 overs.
• Lahore Qalandars: 149/3 in 17.4 overs.
• Result: LQ won by 7 wickets. 

QUE only managed 148, with Jason Roy's 48 innings providing some stability, but LAH made light work of the chase, led by an unbeaten 68 off 43 from Abdullah Shafique. Haris Rauf's (3/22) bowling ensured QUE's total would be a comfortable chase for LAH. 

Lahore Qalandars have acquired Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the commercialized part of the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, following the withdrawal of Zimbabwean superstar Sikandar Raza because of national obligation. Miraz, 27, was formally given a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday, paving the way for him to play for the Qalandars from May 22-25. It is his first appearance in an international franchise league and another new chapter in his expanding cricketing dossier.

"He signed up for the NOC this morning and got it in the afternoon," assured Shahriar Nafees, BCB's cricket operations manager. With Raza missing the rest of the tournament as Zimbabwe prepares for a historic Test series against England, Lahore Qalandars required an experienced all-round option. Miraz, who is known for his skilled off-spin as well as handy batting, was a strong contender to fill the gap.

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Mehidy Hasan Miraz added to Lahore Qalandars as playoff reinforcement for PSL 2025

Lahore, who secured a playoff position with a 26-run victory over Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday, will play the Eliminator in Lahore on May 22. Miraz is likely to add strength to their spin unit along with fellow Bangladeshi Shakib Al Hasan, who made his season debut against Zalmi. In 153 T20s, Miraz has picked 107 wickets at 7.55 economy and compiled 2,099 runs with seven half-centuries. He was also appointed ICC Men's Player of the Month for April, which reflects his current performance.

Interestingly, Miraz is not included in Bangladesh's T20I team presently playing against the UAE in Sharjah, which also made it convenient for BCB to grant the NOC. Some other Bangladeshi players, such as Litton Das, Rishad Hossain, and Nahid Rana, have also already played in this version of the PSL, though Rishad and Rana returned home prematurely because of safety issues after the tournament was suspended temporarily. Lahore Qalandars will be looking for Miraz to bring the balance they require in the dying embers, as they pursue their third straight PSL title.

Shakib Al Hasan has not played any recognised cricket since November last year. He also went into hiding, leaving his cricket career behind. However, he will return to cricket after six months.

Today, the Pakistan Super League team Lahore Qalandars announced on social media that Shakib will play for them for the rest of the tournament. He will join the team in Islamabad on May 17. The next day, the team has a match in Lahore. The franchise said that Shakib has been added as a replacement for Daryl Mitchell, who has injured his hand.

Shakib’s comments were included in the official statement from Lahore Qalandars sent to Pakistani media. The former Bangladesh captain said, "I am very happy to join the PSL this season. We are at an important stage of the tournament where every match is important. I enjoy watching this tournament, and now I look forward to playing on the field. Qalandars have strong support and good team spirit. I am excited to be part of a team that wants to do well."

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Shakib will make a strong impact: Samin

According to BCB sources, Shakib applied for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board last night to play in the PSL. The certificate has not been officially given yet, but the BCB has agreed in principle to allow him to play. Lahore Qalandars team director Samin Rana also shared his happiness about Shakib joining the team. 

"I am very happy that Shakib is joining the Lahore Qalandars family. His experience, skill, and all-around talent are valuable for our team, especially at this important time in the tournament. His presence will make our squad stronger. I believe Shakib will make a strong impact both on and off the field," Samin Rana said.

Lahore Qalandars are currently in fourth place in this year's PSL with 9 points from 9 matches. The team has one match left in the league stage. If they stay in the top four, they will reach the playoffs. Shakib has a lot of experience in T20 cricket. He has played 444 matches, scored 7,438 runs, and taken 492 wickets. He has also played for Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in the PSL before. He has been part of all major franchise leagues, including the IPL. Shakib last played a competitive match for Bengal Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League on November 30 last year.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma announces retirement from Test cricket

Memorable Matchups Between PES and LAH

One of the most thrilling matches of the ongoing PSL 10 was staged last night at the Gaddafi Stadium. The 20-over match was reduced to 15 and concluded past midnight through ak-and-neck rivalry between Lahore Qalandars (LQ) and Karachi Kings (KK). Irfan Khan Niazi, the 22-year-old Karachi Kings cricketer, was the main man who decided the fate of the match. 

Toss and the first innings 

Keeping in mind the weather condition and probable wicket behavior, Karachi Kings skipper David Warner decided to bowl first. Lahore Qalandars went off to a flying start with their two openers, Fakhar Zaman and Muhammad Naeem, adding 90 runs in the first wicket. The departure of Zaman and Naeem left LQ in deep trouble, as they started to lose wickets at regular intervals. Karachi bowler Abbas Afridi took 4 wickets to shift the momentum towards his team. 

Second innings 

According to the DLS method, Karachi Kings had to chase a target of 168. Karachi Kings displayed a decent batting performance against the Shaheen Afridi-led team. KK was looking unable to make a high impact with their batting until Irfan Khan Niazi stepped into the middle of the park. His unbeaten 48 off 21 deliveries helped Karachi Kings to edge past the finish line. They scored the last 48 runs in 16 balls after an aggressive batting performance by the young batter. 

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Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings full match scorecard 

Lahore Qalandars-  160/8 (15 Overs)

Karachi Kings- 168/6 (14.3/15 Overs) DLS Method

PSL 2025 Match 24, Lahore Qalandars (LAH) vs Karachi Kings (KAR), at Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore), on May 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM PKT. This match, being held during the halfway point of the tournament (24/30), is critical to each team's playoff ambitions: LAH hoping for a home ground advantage while KAR trying to take advantage of their batting depth on a batting-friendly pitch.

Head-to-Head Record

Lahore Qalandars (LAH) and Karachi Kings (KAR) have faced off 20 times in the PSL since 2016, with KAR holding a significant lead:

• LAH Wins: 7
• KAR Wins: 13
• No Result/Tied: 0
• Win Percentage: KAR has a 65% win rate against LAH.

Historically, KAR has dominated this rivalry, having won 13 of 19 games against LAH prior to 2025, although LAH made a strong statement defeating them with a 65-run win in their last matchup (Match 6, April 15, 2025). At Gaddafi Stadium, the pitch is notorious for producing high-scoring matches that likely favor many explosive KAR batsmen, like David Warner and James Vince, but LAH's strong bowling lineup, led by Shaheen Afridi, and their use of swing will be key if they can manage some early movement.

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Noteworthy Showdowns Between LAH and KAR

The rivalry between LAH and KAR has delivered some memorable matches, with KAR being overwhelmingly dominant historically, but LAH seems to be on an uptick in recent match-ups. Here are the significant encounters:

PSL 2025, Match 6—April 15, Karachi (National Stadium)

• LAH: 201/6 (20 overs)
• KAR: 136/10 (19.1 overs)
• Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 65 runs

LAH posted 201/6, led by Fakhar Zaman's 76 runs from 45 balls and Daryl Mitchell's 75 runs from 41 balls, as LAH had a 139-run partnership. In KAR's chase, LAH's Shaheen Afridi (3/34) dismissed David Warner and James Vince in his first over, while Rishad Hossain (3/26) ripped through the middle order. Hasan Ali's 4/28 for KAR ended in vain, with the team bowled out for 136. Fakhar Zaman was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

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PSL 2024, Match 10—February 24, Lahore (Gaddafi Stadium)

• LAH: 175/6 (20 overs)
• KAR: 176/8 (20 overs)
• Result: Karachi Kings won by 2 wickets

LAH set 175/6, with Fakhar Zaman (29 runs off 21 balls) and Sikandar Raza (26 runs off 16 balls), but KAR chased it down on the last ball, led by Kieron Pollard's 58 runs off 33 balls and Shoaib Malik's cool. While Shaheen Afridi (1/30) and Zaman Khan (2/35) fought back, KAR's depth eventually prevailed. Pollard was Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.

PSL 2023, Match 30 (March 12, Lahore (Gaddafi Stadium))

• KAR: 196/7 (20) overs.
• LAH: 110/10 (18.5) overs.
• Winner: KAR by 86 runs.

Imad Wasim's 57* off 30 balls and Tayyab Tahir's 40 off 23 bullets powered KAR to 196/7 against LAH. LAH could only muster 110 runs in 18.5 overs, with only Fakhar Zaman's 39 off 34 balls putting up any resistance, as Tabraiz Shamsi (3/19) and Mohammad Amir (2/26) dismantled LAH's batting. Imad Wasim was declared Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance.

Match Details:

• Date: May 01, 2025
• Match: Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators 
• Time: 8:30 PM PKT
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Win % Batting First: 64%
• Win % Bowling First: 36%

Also read: LAH vs QUE PSL 2025 Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Weather:

• Temperature: Expected to peak at 41°C (106°F) during the day, cooling to around 21°C (70°F) by evening.
• Conditions: Clear skies with no chance of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
• Humidity: Low, but players should stay hydrated due to the high daytime temperatures.

Pitch:

• Nature: Batting-friendly surface offering true bounce, ideal for stroke play.
• First Innings Advantage: Teams batting first have won 7 out of 11 matches, indicating a significant advantage.
• Average Scores: First innings average score is 174, while the second innings average is 147.
• Bowling: Pacers have been more successful, accounting for 72% of wickets, especially effective in the early overs.
• Spinners: May find some assistance in the middle overs, but generally less effective compared to pacers.

Venue Records: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• Highest Team Total: 210/3 by Multan Sultans against Peshawar Zalmi
• Lowest Team Total: 110 all out by Quetta Gladiators against Multan Sultans.
• Most Runs: Rilee Rossouw with 375 runs at this venue.
• Best Bowling Figures: Ihsanullah's 5 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs.

Given the conditions, winning the toss and opting to bat first could provide a strategic advantage.