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PSL 2023: Lahore Qalandars preview and probable lineup for qualifier

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After waiting for six long years, Lahore Qalandars won their maiden Pakistan Super League (PSL) title last year after defeating Multan Sultans in the final at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium.

Now, the defending champions are just two steps away from becoming the first-ever side to successfully defend their title throughout PSL history.

Under the command of their new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Qalandars look completely different from what they were before the seventh edition of the league.

Under the captaincy of Shaheen, Qalandars’ consistency since last year shows the commitment which the new captain has brought to the team as they remained table toppers in the league stage of this year’s PSL, winning seven out of 10 matches.

PSL 2023: Lahore Qalandars preview and probable lineup for qualifier

The Qalandars have now set their eyes on the qualifier against the Sultans, which is scheduled to be played on March 15 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Strengths

The Qalandars’ biggest strength is, perhaps, their captain Shaheen. The left-arm pacer has an unending ability to take a wicket in his first over.

Moreover, Qalandars’ overall bowling line-up, which contains the likes of Rashid Khan, Zaman Khan, and Haris Rauf, has not only been recognised as the best bowling line-up of PSL but that of any T20 team in the world.

Qalandars’ three bowlers — Rashid (15), Shaheen (14) and Haris (14) — are currently among the top five highest wicket-takers in the ongoing PSL 8.

On the other hand, opener Fakhar Zaman is the backbone of their batting line. The latter has scored 378 runs in 10 league matches including a maiden PSL century. Fakhar has the ability to provide a quick start to Qalandars against any bowling attack.

Weaknesses

Qalandars are unlucky to have their experienced fast-bowling all-rounder David Wiese out of form this season. The Namibian cricketer has so far failed to impress fans with his match-winning abilities.

Moreover, another fast-bowling all-rounder Hussain Talat is also missing his usual touch. Qalandars lack a finisher, who can also bowl wicket-taking overs, down their batting line-up.

Previous appearance in qualifier

Qalandars played the PSL qualifier only once which was last year against the same team, Sultans.

They lost the qualifier by 28 runs.

Probable lineup

Fakhar Zaman, Mirza Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Sam Billings, David Wiese, Hussain Talat, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Rashid Khan, Zaman Khan

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Sumair Ahmad is named the 2025 Champions Trophy Director by PCB.

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PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi commented on the appointment, saying, “Sumair is a highly organized professional with a wealth of administrative expertise.” He will undoubtedly give players, officials, and fans alike an amazing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially when combined with his unshakable love for cricket.

He continued, “The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises to showcase Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricketing events, welcoming players and fans from around the globe to experience the country’s renowned hospitality and passion for the game.”

The BCCI informed the ICC earlier this month that it will not be sending a side to the event, which is set for 2025 in Pakistan during the February–March season.

After the PCB asked for clarity in its letter regarding the BCCI’s unwillingness to tour Pakistan, the ICC requested India’s justifications for not inviting Pakistan to compete for the Champions Trophy.

The broadcasters, meanwhile, reportedly pushed the ICC to make the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule available right away.

Due to the Indian government’s refusal to send a delegation to Pakistan for the event, the schedule that was supposed to be issued on November 12 was postponed.

The broadcasting rights, which were given to broadcasters for a record $3 billion until 2027, are heavily dependent on the success of the main events, especially those involving India and Pakistan, which regularly attract the largest audiences.

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India withdraws from the World Cup of Blind T20 Cricket in Pakistan

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Adding to the issue surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian government refused to allow their squad to travel to Pakistan for the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup, which is set to start in Lahore on November 23.

According to Indian media, India, the reigning champion, would not go to Pakistan to play in the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 since the government has not given its approval.

Lahore and Multan are set to host the Blind T20 World Cup 2024 from November 23 to December 3.

The general secretary of the Indian Blind Cricket Association (IBCA), Sailendra Yadav, recently discussed the upsetting news about the blind cricket team’s upcoming trip to Pakistan in an interview with India Today.

The team was given a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Sports Ministry, but the Ministry of External Affairs finally refused to allow them to enter the border, Yadav revealed.

Yadav stated, “We have been waiting for the government to give us permission to travel to Pakistan for the past 25 days.”

“We will not be receiving any authorization to travel to Pakistan, and we can cancel your tournament,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed us over the phone.

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Aaqib Javed designated as interim head coach for white-ball formats of Pakistan

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On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the hiring of former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team till the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Throughout this period, Aaqib will maintain his role as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee and will be allocated more responsibilities upon the completion of the eight-team tournament.

The PCB will commence the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, with the objective of finalising the appointment before the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place from 19 February to 9 March.

The white-ball coaching position became available with Gary Kirsten’s departure last month, prior to the current tour of Australia.

In Kirsten’s absence, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie led the team during the tour of Australia and will now return for the forthcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s team is set to compete in three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5, followed by an equal number of white-ball matches in South Africa from December 10 to 22.

Prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from February 8 to 14.

Aaqib Javed had considerable coaching expertise, having formerly held the position of Pakistan’s bowling coach during their triumphant ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2009. Earlier this year, he served as the bowling coach for the Sri Lanka men’s squad.

Before that, he managed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in achieving ODI status and qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his term as head coach.

Additionally, the right-arm fast bowler served as the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 squad during their victory in the U19 World Cup in 2004.

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