With the 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) set to launch on April 11, team captains Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam offered insights into their team dynamics and the growing stature of the league during the pre-season captains’ conference.
Shaheen Afridi Backs Young Talent
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars are aiming for a third consecutive title, and captain Shaheen Afridi is banking on young players to carry the torch.
“I am excited about the young players in Lahore Qalandars,” Afridi shared. “The PSL provides them a chance to grow into international contenders.”
He emphasized the importance of domestic cricket in earning PSL opportunities and praised the league’s track record in producing stars like Haris Rauf.
“The Pakistan Super League is our own league; it needs support,” he added, highlighting the significance of homegrown platforms in talent development.
Despite the challenge of defending the title, Shaheen appeared relaxed and optimistic.
“Mistakes happen to humans; we will enjoy the PSL,” he said.
Babar Azam Highlights League Balance
Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam echoed Shaheen’s focus on team-building and talent cultivation. He underlined the even playing field in PSL 10.
“All franchises in the Pakistan Super League are balanced,” Babar remarked. “Each franchise in the PSL tries to make the best squad.”
His comments reflect the increasingly competitive nature of the league, as franchises gear up with tactically diverse and talent-rich line-ups.
PSL 10 Overview
The six-team tournament begins on April 11 with Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A total of 34 matches will be played across various cities, culminating in the final on May 18 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Lahore Qalandars Squad (PSL 10):
Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Fakhar Zaman, Daryl Mitchell, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, Kusal Perera, Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, David Wiese, Asif Ali, Asif Afridi, Muhammad Akhlaq, Rishad Hossain, Momin Qamar, Momin Azab, Muhammad Naeem, Salman Ali Mirza, Tom Curran.
Peshawar Zalmi Squad (PSL 10):
Babar Azam (C), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, Corbin Bosch, Mohammad Ali, Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana, Abdul Samad, Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem, Najibullah Zadran, Ali Raza, Maaz Sadaqat, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph.
