Quetta Gladiators name Saud Shakeel PSL captain

Former Pakistan Super League champions Quetta Gladiators have announced their leadership group and coaching staff ahead of the 11th edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3.

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Saud Shakeel has been named captain of the franchise, while former Pakistan wicketkeeper Moin Khan will take charge as head coach. Former national skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been appointed team director as part of the revamped support structure.

The coaching unit also features Iqbal Imam as assistant coach and ex-Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz in the role of bowling coach. Azam Khan has been designated as the team manager.

Squad update and replacement signing

In terms of player changes, Quetta Gladiators secured the signing of West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as a direct replacement for Australian pacer Spencer Johnson. The franchise confirmed the move through its official social media channels, stating that Johnson was unavailable due to personal reasons.

PSL 11 format and venues

The upcoming edition of the PSL will run for 39 days and feature eight teams. Alongside the six existing franchises, the competition will include two new entrants — Pindiz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.

A total of 44 matches will be played during the season. Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are set to begin their title defence against Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen at their home venue on March 26.

Each team will contest ten matches in the group stage, with the top four progressing to the playoffs. The final is scheduled to be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 3, while May 4 has been kept as a reserve day.

Six double-headers are part of the tournament schedule, including three fixtures at Gaddafi Stadium. Matches will be staged across six venues, with Faisalabad and Peshawar hosting PSL games for the first time, alongside Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.

Gaddafi Stadium will host 15 matches, followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with 11 fixtures. Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad will stage seven matches, National Bank Stadium in Karachi six, and Multan Cricket Stadium four. Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar will host one match between Peshawar Zalmi and Pindiz on March 28.

Updated Quetta Gladiators squad

Saud Shakeel (c), Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz, Shamyl Hussain, Alzarri Joseph, Rilee Rossouw, Faisal Akram, Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Wasim Akram Jr, Khan Zaib, Bismillah Khan, Saqib Khan, Brett Hampton, Sam Harper, Bevon Jacobs, Ben McDermott and Tom Curran.