BREAKING NEWS
Advertise with us >

PSL 11 team of tournament announced, Babar named captain

PSL 11 team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named the Team of the Tournament for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League 11, featuring several top-performing local and international stars.

According to the announcement, Babar Azam has been rewarded with the captaincy for his outstanding batting performances and leadership throughout the season.

The squad features strong representation from the champions Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, with three players each included in the lineup.

Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United have contributed two players each, while Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators have one player each in the selected XI.

Notably, no player from the Rawalpindi team managed to secure a place in the final twelve-member squad.

The selection highlights consistent individual performances and standout contributions across the tournament, with the PCB recognizing top performers from multiple franchises.

The selected squad includes prominent players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis.

Other inclusions are Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, and Hassan Khan, alongside pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hunain Shah, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

England’s Richard Gleeson has also been named in the side, reflecting strong overseas representation in the lineup.

Meanwhile, Hassan Nawaz has been selected as the 12th player in the squad.

The selection highlights standout performances across franchises, recognizing both batting firepower and bowling excellence throughout the tournament.

Shahid Afridi sees Shadab as future leader of Pakistan team

Shahid Afridi sees

KARACHI:  Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that Shadab Khan is likely to become captain if head coach Mike Hesson continues in his role.

Speaking on a private TV programme, Afridi noted that Shadab and Hesson have worked together for a considerable period at Islamabad United. “If the same coach remains, Shadab will be the captain,” Afridi remarked.

He added that Shadab is not a bad choice for leadership, especially given the limited captaincy options currently available. “Shadab Khan is the backbone of the Pakistan team. You can appoint him as captain, but he will have to deliver strong performances to silence critics,” Afridi said.

Meanwhile, former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad strongly criticised the team’s selection decisions. He claimed that spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has been sidelined to make room for Shadab in the playing XI.

Shehzad further alleged that even highly ranked spinner Abrar Ahmed was dropped to accommodate Shadab, arguing that there is a vast difference in performance levels between the players.

He concluded by blaming the coaching management for the team’s struggles, stating that internal selection dynamics are negatively impacting Pakistan’s performance.

Pakistan beat USA by 32 runs in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Pakistan beat USA

COLOMBO: Pakistan registered their second consecutive victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating the United States by 32 runs in a Group A match played in Colombo.

After winning the toss, the USA opted to field first, inviting Pakistan to bat. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 190 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with an impressive 73.

In reply, the United States could manage 158 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs, falling short of the target. Pakistan’s win also helped them avenge their defeat against the USA in 2024.

Pakistan made one change to their playing XI for the match, bringing in Usman Tariq in place of Salman Mirza.

Pakistan’s innings got off to a solid start as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put together a 54-run partnership. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 19, while captain Salman Ali Agha departed cheaply for just one run.

Farhan then added valuable runs alongside Babar Azam, completing his half-century with confident stroke play. Babar scored 46 off 32 balls before being dismissed, while Farhan’s innings came to an end at 73. Shadab Khan also made a quick impact, scoring 30 runs off just 12 deliveries.

For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets.

Earlier, Pakistan had defeated the Netherlands by three wickets in a thrilling encounter, while the USA had suffered a loss against India.