Defending champions Lahore Qalandars skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi has shared his excitement over the arrival of overseas talent in the squad and the inclusion of new venues for the upcoming Pakistan Super League season, saying these changes are set to energise fans across the country.
The 11th edition of the tournament will be held from March 26 to May 3, with three-time champions Lahore Qalandars scheduled to face debutants Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen in the opening fixture at Gaddafi Stadium.
Speaking during the team’s training camp in Islamabad, Afridi reflected on the franchise’s journey in the PSL, noting that their achievements go beyond silverware.
“For PSL 11, several new players have joined the team, including foreign players. Matches will also be held at new grounds, which will further excite fans and allow them to enjoy the cricket even more,” Afridi said.
The left-arm pacer highlighted the progress the franchise has made over recent years and credited its player development programme for producing emerging talent.
“The last four to five years have been very good for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League,” he said.
“Winning the trophy is one thing, but the best achievement has been bringing forward players from the player development programme and giving them opportunities. Now, these players are performing at both national and regional levels,” he added.
Afridi also pointed to the structured planning that underpins the Qalandars’ preparations, emphasising how early camps and talent identification initiatives help build team cohesion and prepare young cricketers for top-level competition.
“Lahore Qalandars organise camps well before the PSL begins so that new players get a chance to understand and get to know each other. This time as well, trials were held and good talent has emerged. I hope that once again one or two good players will make it to the PSL, and over the next ten years, several excellent players will come forward,” he stated.
Tournament format and venues
PSL 11 will span 39 days and feature eight teams, including new entrants Pindiz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen alongside the six existing franchises. A total of 44 matches are scheduled, with the defending champions beginning their title defence at home on March 26.
Each team will play ten matches in the group stage, after which the top four sides will advance to the playoffs. The final is set to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on May 3, with May 4 reserved as a contingency day.
The tournament will include six double-headers, three of which will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium. Fixtures will be played across six venues, with Faisalabad and Peshawar hosting PSL matches for the first time, in addition to Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.
Gaddafi Stadium is set to host the highest number of games (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11). Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad will stage seven matches, while National Bank Stadium in Karachi will host six and Multan Cricket Stadium four.
Peshawar’s Imran Khan Cricket Stadium will hold one match, featuring Peshawar Zalmi and Pindiz on March 28.
