The new season of Pakistan Super League is just around the corner, bringing a lot of anticipation for the fans as well as the players. This year’s edition is going to kick off from 27^th January, with a lot of entertainment and has triggered curiosity among the cricket fans. 

PCB has announced that the seventh edition is going to be played in two venues, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and National Stadium Karachi. The Karachi leg is going to host 15 matches, while the rest of the matches will be played in the Lahore leg. The first match is going to be played between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans at National Stadium. Whereas, the final is going to be hosted by the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in the historic city of Lahore. Then, let’s talk about the most popular team: QALANDARS.

Team Preview: Lahore Qalandars

A team that has evoked the emotions of the fans whenever and wherever they have played. People are connected to emotions not words, and Qalandars have proved that all of their fans support them from the deepest of their hearts and souls. A team, which is already associated with a city with rich culture, civilization and conquerors. Let’s put some light on their previous encounters, their star players to look out for, and what to expect from them in this year’s tournament.

Team Lahore played their last match against Multan Sultans at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. They were defeated badly by Rizwan’s men, who demolished their batting lineup and wrapped up their innings on 80 runs. It will be interesting to see the encounters between both teams of Punjab. They both have played some dramatic and nerve-racking games in the last season.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, the new captain is definitely going to make a big impact on HBL PSL 7. As he has mentioned in his recent interviews, it will be the year of change for Lahore Qalandars this time around.

What to Expect from Lahore Qalandars

As mentioned above, Lahore Fans have an emotional attachment to their team. Hence, they are going to put a lot of expectations and wishes on the performances of their team. The most anticipated thing would be to win their maiden title and give a huge gift to their fans and Lahore city. They have a good team combined with some talented players who are match-winners and can change the course of the game.

Key Players

Batting has somewhat been a major issue for this team. But there have been some players who have been outstanding for their team.

Top Bowlers

Lahore’s bowling has been one of its major strengths over the years. They have produced some great talents in the form of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, both of them are now serving Pakistan at an international level and doing miracles.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

A gift for Pakistan Cricket and one of the most skillful bowlers in the world at this very moment across all the formats. Shaheen has been mind-blowing for Qalandars over a long period of time. He is an important aspect of their squad. With a total of 55 wickets in 40 matches, he is a destructive and volatile bowler.

Haris Rauf

The fiery pace and an emotional bowler who has been exceptional for Pakistan and Qalandars, has taken 33 wickets in 29 matches in PSL. He has a great temperament, which he takes into the game and has been crucial for his team for most of the time.

Rashid Khan

The highest wicket-taker in t20is and a brilliant leg-spinner, Rashid Khan is a treat to watch. He will definitely play an important role for Lahore Qalandars in this year’s edition. Rival batsmen will have to watch out for him as he will be producing a trap for them on those pitches. He is an authentic bowler and will show authority over all the batsmen.

Top Batters

Fakhar Zaman

Also known as Fakhr-e-Pakistan, Zaman has been an exceptional player for Team Qalandars. Being the highest scorer for the team overall proves it all. Fakhar Zaman has accumulated 1396 runs in 51 matches for his team at a strike rate of 133.3. We can surely be prepared for his fireworks in the tournament as well.

Ben Dunk

Popular due to his chewing gum and six-hitting abilities, Ben dunk has been one of the most impactful players for Lahore Qalandars. He has performed many times to take his team over the line. He has shown great character and intensity in his batting over the years, and no one can forget his fireworks against Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings in Lahore.

Mohammad Hafeez

The Professor, who has recently announced his retirement from international cricket, is the most iconic player of the Lahore Qalandars Squad. He is a destructive batsman on his day, and can completely make the match one-sided. Hence, it will be exciting to watch him in this tournament.

Top All Rounders

David Wiese

A complete match winner and an amazing all-rounder, David Wiese is a brilliant player and one to watch out for as he can take wickets and hit the ball out of the park at the same moment. David Wiese has won Qalandars some crucial matches, so he will be a really influential player for them.

Samit Patel

Patel has been a good addition to Lahore Qalandars and he has proven his worth over the years. Good with the bat and perfect with the ball, his experience will be vital for Qalandars. He will exploit the weaknesses of the rival teams and break them from their weak spots.

Lahore Qalandars have always lacked that spirit of winning due to their bad decisive skills and poor selection. But they have a good mixture of talented and experienced as well as young players who can do miracles for them.