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PSL 10: Lahore Qalandars Make Final Without Head Coach, Eye Historic Title

The Lahore Qalandars have pulled off an astonishing run in PSL 10, making it to the tournament final without the presence of their appointed head coach, Russell Domingo.

The revelation came from team executive Sameen Rana, who confirmed that the South African coach had not returned after the mid-season break.

“Russell has not been with us since the second half began. We’ve had to operate without a formal head coach,” Rana said.

Shaheen Afridi Leads From the Front

Without Domingo’s tactical guidance, Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken on a broader leadership role. The fast-bowling skipper has not only led with the ball but also kept the dressing room atmosphere focused and unified.

This leadership has translated into back-to-back knockout victories against Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, two high-pressure games that showcased the team’s adaptability and mental resilience.

Senior Players Drive Strategy

The likes of Fakhar Zaman, Sikandar Raza, and Rashid Khan (if available) have stepped up as tactical mentors in the absence of official coaching staff, contributing to game-planning and on-field decisions. The blend of local talent and experienced internationals has created an organic leadership model that’s worked surprisingly well.

Will Domingo Return?

The team has remained tight-lipped on Domingo’s future. Some insiders believe his role may be quietly coming to an end, particularly given the team’s improved performance without him.

If Lahore clinch the title, it will mark a new chapter in the league’s history—a championship won without a head coach, something unheard of in professional T20 cricket.

Lahore’s Moment of Destiny

Lahore Qalandars now prepare to face Quetta Gladiators in what could be a crowning moment for this franchise. With or without a coach, the team has shown they are built for the big occasion.

Afshan Ibrahim by — May 24, 2025 in Cricket
Karachi Kings Clinch Last-Over Victory in PSL 10 Clash Against Zalmi

A Tight Contest Ends in Karachi’s Favor

The National Stadium Karachi witnessed a thrilling encounter as Karachi Kings edged past Peshawar Zalmi by two wickets in a nail-biting finish during the 11th match of the Pakistan Super League Season 10.

Early Setbacks in Karachi’s Chase of 148

Chasing a modest 148, Karachi Kings faced an early jolt when Tim Seifert fell for a golden duck on the very first delivery bowled by Luke Wood. The English pacer then struck again in the third over, dismissing James Vince (11), as Kings slipped to a shaky start.

David Warner and Saad Baig added a few crucial runs, but Baig departed for nine. Warner held his ground, anchoring the innings while wickets kept falling around him. Contributions from Irfan Khan (10) and Mohammad Nabi (14) kept the scoreboard ticking.

Warner Leads Before Late Surge from Khushdil

Warner eventually departed in the 17th over, having played a captain’s knock of 60 off 47 balls, leaving Karachi needing stability in the final overs. Khushdil Shah’s composed 23 not out steered the side home with just three balls remaining.

Peshawar’s Batting Falters After Decent Start

Put in to bat, Zalmi’s top order failed to capitalize. Saim Ayub departed early for 4, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore added just 7 runs. Skipper Babar Azam top-scored with 46, forming a brief partnership with Mohammad Haris (21).

Despite late fireworks from *Alzarri Joseph (24 off 13)**, Peshawar Zalmi managed only 147/8 in 20 overs.

Bowling Performances That Shaped the Game

  • Karachi Kings: Abbas Afridi and Khushdil Shah picked up three wickets each. Mir Hamza and Aamer Jamal chipped in with one apiece.
  • Peshawar Zalmi: Luke Wood impressed with 3/22, while Ali Raza claimed two scalps.

With this victory, Karachi Kings climb to third on the points table, whereas Peshawar Zalmi remain fifth with just one win so far.

Sajal Subhan by — April 22, 2025 in Cricket
HBL PSL 2024: Bigger, Better, and Back in February!

Cricket fans, get ready for a T20 feast! The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is roaring back for its ninth season, kicking off on February 17th, 2024. This year, the action goes beyond boundaries, with matches across four vibrant cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Defending Champions Lahore Qalandars Clash with Rivals:

The tournament promises electrifying matchups, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars facing off against their arch-rivals Islamabad United in the opening match. Prepare for fireworks when Lahore and Karachi Kings clash on February 24th and March 9th!

More Matches, More Cities, More Fun:

Get ready for 34 action-packed matches, spread across two legs. The first leg (February 17-27) brings the heat to Lahore and Multan, while the second leg (February 28-March 12) takes over Rawalpindi and Karachi. The playoffs and final will be an exclusive Karachi affair, culminating in a grand finale at the National Bank Stadium on March 18th.

Your Favorite Teams, Your Hometown Heroes:

Each team will play five matches at their home ground, giving fans a chance to cheer on their local heroes. Peshawar Zalmi takes over Pindi Cricket Stadium, while Quetta Gladiators will split their matches between Karachi, Lahore, and Multan.

PCB Management Committee Chair Mr. Zaka Ashraf:

“We’re thrilled to bring PSL back bigger and better! Hosting matches across four cities brings top-notch cricket to fans nationwide. We aim to not only entertain but also inspire young players at the grassroots level.”

Mark Your Calendars, Book Your Tickets:

Get ready to witness cricketing magic unfold! Pakistan Super League 2024 promises a thrilling tournament, packed with fierce rivalries, spectacular performances, and unforgettable moments. So, grab your PSL gear, get your friends together, and cheer on your favorite teams!

Don’t miss the first match on February 17th!

PSL 2024 Schedule:

(Note: Included only the first few matches for brevity)

  • February 17: Lahore Qalandars vs. Islamabad United (Lahore)
  • February 18: Quetta Gladiators vs. Peshawar Zalmi (Lahore), Multan Sultans vs. Karachi Kings (Multan)
  • February 19: Lahore Qalandars vs. Quetta Gladiators (Lahore)
  • February 20: Multan Sultans vs. Islamabad United (Multan)
  • February 21: Peshawar Zalmi vs. Karachi Kings (Lahore)

Stay tuned for the complete schedule and updates!

Sajal Subhan by — January 13, 2024 in Cricket
Shahid Afridi-led Asia Lions win Legends League Cricket Masters

In a major attainment, Pakistan’s legendary former skipper Shahid Afridi-led Asia Lions hand World Giants a crushing seven-wicket defeat to win the third edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) Masters.

Chasing a target of 148 runs, Lions grasped home comfortably in 16.1 overs.

The Lions’ openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan scored brisk half-centuries and added 115 runs for the opening partnership in 10 overs during the final held at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha.

Dilshan scored 58 off 42 balls with eight fours while Tharanga smashed 57 off 28 balls with five fours and three sixes. The 115-run opening partnership ended when Brett Lee had Tharanga clean-bowled for 57.

Web Desk by — March 21, 2023 in Cricket 0
Babar Azam becomes the fastest batsman to score 7000 in T20, breaking the records.

Captain of Pakistan cricket team honoured with another achievement; he becomes the fastest batsman to score the highest overtaking Chris Gayle and Kohli.

The Pakistani cricket team always has that one person who lifts the game and makes Pakistan proud. But this time, Babar Azam’s record-breaking performances from the start of 2021 generating a remarkable image of Pakistani cricket in front of the whole world.

In April, Babar Azam became the fastest cricket player to score 2000 runs in Twenty20 international format. He achieved this milestone in just 52 innings. Now surpassed the record of 7000 scores in a national T20 cup match, during matches between Central Punjab and Southern Punjab in Rawalpindi stadium. He achieved this milestone while playing 187th innings.

Previously west indies batsman Chris Gayle held this record of scoring 7000, consuming 192 innings in T20. Babar needed three innings more to break this record when he reached 6000 runs at the start of this year. He surpassed other flamboyant players of the cricket world through this record, including Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Australian captain Aaron Finch, and David Warner.

Sajal Subhan by — October 8, 2021 in Cricket 0

All 34 matches of PSL 2021 are likely to be played in Karachi and Lahore only. Though the news is not yet official it is said that PCB is considering organizing an equal number of matches in both the cities. 17 matches will be played in Karachi while Lahore will host the same number of matches. The decision of limiting matches to only two cities is because of the recent COVID-19 situation.

Preparations for PSL 2021 already underway: PCB CEO Wasim Khan | - GeoSuper.tv
Credit: Pakistan Cricket Board/ PSL

Previous year, all matches of PSL were played in Pakistan for the first time ever since its inception in 2016. The matches were played in four cities including Multan, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

For 2021, the PCB was planning to add in Peshawar as another destination but due to the ongoing pandemic, this seems a tough choice and the board is contemplating to distribute matches between two metropolitan cities only.

This will become a challenge for Karachi and Lahore, especially for Karachi which faces major traffic issues whenever matches are staged here. Also, the law enforcement agencies will face a tough time managing peace and security city-wide for 15 days, and that too nonstop. However, this is too early to comment on it.

Multan too was a good option but lack of infrastructure, logistic problems, shortage of proper accommodation for international players and players’ security would be difficult. The same is not true for Rawalpindi though, which can be used as a third venue if the officials want to reduce burden on the two mentioned cities.

For now, the PCB is taking into consideration all the available venue options which will then be shared with the six franchise owners. The owners will then take the final call.

An official from PCB stated that all franchises are ready for PSL 2021 after clearing their previous charges. The PSL 2021 is expected to happen in February-March.

Afshan Ibrahim by — December 26, 2020 in Blogs