Lahore Qalandars look to retain PSL title under Shaheen’s leadership

Lahore Qalandars look to retain PSL title under Shaheen’s leadership. Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars are aiming to retain the title in the eighth edition of the tournament —  scheduled to begin on February 13, 2023.

Lahore Qalandars’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sameen Rana, while speaking to Geo News, said that the team is hopeful of winning the trophy under pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership.

The star pacer is completely fit to play in PSL 8 and is bowling for the national team these days in rhythm, said Rana.

Shaheen encountered an injury during the World T20 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He returned to international cricket in the T20 world cup after a knee injury that he suffered during a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

The COO said that Lahore Qalandars is not under pressure as the team is a champion and because it has seen bad times in the past as well. “We are champions and will try to defend the title. We want to become the first team to defend the PSL title,” he added.

Talking about the squad, Rana said that he is satisfied with the combination of the team. He said that he has tried to make the best team by keeping a balance. “Bowling is our strength and the batters are world-class,” Rana said.

Right-handed English batsman Samit Patel has been replaced by Liam Dawson while Mohammad Hafeez has been replaced by Sikandar Raza, he added.

Speaking about the newly-appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) managing committee’s chairman, Najam Sethi, Rana said that the PSL will achieve more success under his leadership.

“Najam Sethi launched the PSL under difficult circumstances and PSL needs an administrator like him,” he added.