Lahore Qalandars PSL 7 Discussion

[MenInG]

Afghanistan world’s No.5 ranked T20I wrist-spinner Rashid Khan has been retained by Lahore Qalandars in the platinum category, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Haris Rauf (Diamond, Brand Ambassador), David Wiese and Mohammad Hafeez (both Diamond), Ahmed Daniyal, Sohail Akhtar and Zeeshan Ashraf (all Silver).

Player retention list (each side were allowed to retain a maximum of eight players from the last event):

Lahore Qalandars (8) - Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (both Platinum), Haris Rauf (Diamond, Brand Ambassador), David Wiese, Mohammad Hafeez (both Diamond), Ahmed Daniyal, Sohail Akhtar and Zeeshan Ashraf (all Silver)

Final squad:

 

[MenInG]

 

[krazystrong]

They really retained Sohail Akthar and Ahmed Daniyal over Fakhar? Or it has something to do with player categories?

 

[TeymurBlake]

Retaining Zeeshan Ashraf and Sohail Akhtar with the same coaching setup is poor. Very poor.

 

[Major]

They really retained Sohail Akthar and Ahmed Daniyal over Fakhar? Or it has something to do with player categories?

Its a non issue.

This year PCB introduced right to match card. Each team gets a single card to use.

This means that if a team owned a player and released him to the drafts, they can claim him back during the drafts. To do this what will happen, if some team tries to claim that certain player, Lahore can use the right to match card even before their turn and get that player back. The other team would than have to draft someone else.

Many people are not aware of this rule and are bashing the Qalanders. Qalanders will get Fakhar Zaman back, its a non issue.

 

[Kraetoz]

They really retained Sohail Akthar and Ahmed Daniyal over Fakhar? Or it has something to do with player categories?

Don't care as a Lahore fan if Fakhar comes or goes. I just hate to see Babar playing from Karachi.

To answer your question, I don't think it has to do with player categories in hindsight coz Lahore has retained no player from gold category. While Karachi has retained at least 3 from gold category.

In franchise cricket, decisions are made on the basis of how much money you can dish out. 3 silver category retention means Lahore in this season have limited budget.

 

[krazystrong]

Its a non issue.

This year PCB introduced right to match card. Each team gets a single card to use.

This means that if a team owned a player and released him to the drafts, they can claim him back during the drafts. To do this what will happen, if some team tries to claim that certain player, Lahore can use the right to match card even before their turn and get that player back. The other team would than have to draft someone else.

Many people are not aware of this rule and are bashing the Qalanders. Qalanders will get Fakhar Zaman back, its a non issue.

I see. Stupid rule though, imo.

 

[Major]

Don't care as a Lahore fan if Fakhar comes or goes. I just hate to see Babar playing from Karachi.

To answer your question, I don't think it has to do with player categories in hindsight coz Lahore has retained no player from gold category. While Karachi has retained at least 3 from gold category.

In franchise cricket, decisions are made on the basis of how much money you can dish out. 3 silver category retention means Lahore in this season have limited budget.

To be honest, Lahore doesnt deserve Babar Azam either as they had over looked him in the first draft. Babar Azam was an established name before coming in to the PSL as he had been playing club and domestic level since 2010. Lahore should had just grabbed him in the early days and worked around him.

Islamabad United were able to grab him, and than later on traded him for Iftikhar Ahmad. Karachi realized the value of Babar Azam early on and grabbed him up.

Lahore ignored him in the first draft and than never made trade offers. He would had been a very easy grab even in the third or fourth PSL. Now that Babar is being made captain and as long as he is happy and doesnt have mood issues like Afridi, he would be staying with Karachi for a long time.

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Will there be a team song released by Qalanders this year?
Eagerly waiting for what they come up with .previous one was a classic.

 

[shamaan]

They really retained Sohail Akthar and Ahmed Daniyal over Fakhar? Or it has something to do with player categories?

I think fakhar can be picked again the draft again.

But how an earth is Sohail Akhtar stil thier alongside Daniyal

 

[Kraetoz]

I think fakhar can be picked again the draft again.

But how an earth is Sohail Akhtar stil thier alongside Daniyal

They are there because of the category system, it's hard to find suitable players in silver category for Sohail Akhtar or Daniyal. People want Sohail Akhtar to be removed and replaced by a player from Diamond or Platinum category. That is not how franchise cricket works and it is not going to happen.

Salaries for respective categories are

Platinum: US$130,000-US$170,000
Diamond: US$60,000-US$85,000
Gold: US$40,000-US$50,000
Silver: US$15,000-US$25,000
Emerging: US$7,500
Supplementary: US$50,000
(Source: wikipedia)

On top of that there is also a salary cap limitations and total squad budget limitations.

Each side must build a squad within a $1.1 million salary cap. Platinum players have a base price of $147,000 and a maximum price of $218,000. Diamond players have a base price of $73,000 and a maximum price of $103,000. Gold players have a base price of $44,000 and a maximum price of $58,000. Silver players have a base price of $15,000 and a maximum price of $35,000. Emerging players have a base price of $6,500 and a maximum price of $9,500.
Source: https://www.thecorrespondent.pk/202...-quetta-take-gayle-chirs-lynn-goes-to-multan/

Unless if there is a suitable replacement for Sohail or Daniyal in silver category or emerging category I don't see Lahore replacing them. They can't exceed 1.1 million dollars, there are limitations. Otherwise the richest psl team would build an all star all Diamond/Platinum category team.

 

[Kraetoz]

To be honest, Lahore doesnt deserve Babar Azam either as they had over looked him in the first draft. Babar Azam was an established name before coming in to the PSL as he had been playing club and domestic level since 2010. Lahore should had just grabbed him in the early days and worked around him.

Islamabad United were able to grab him, and than later on traded him for Iftikhar Ahmad. Karachi realized the value of Babar Azam early on and grabbed him up.

Lahore ignored him in the first draft and than never made trade offers. He would had been a very easy grab even in the third or fourth PSL. Now that Babar is being made captain and as long as he is happy and doesnt have mood issues like Afridi, he would be staying with Karachi for a long time.

Good post, totally agree with you here. Babar wouldn't really care now and yes Lahore management and Owners wanted an explosive team, it was quite clear from the start, that's why they were content with having Gayle over Babar and that was it. They probably consider Babar as an accumulator and not a proper T20 hack which they love to have in their squad.

 

[Forum363]

To be honest, Lahore doesnt deserve Babar Azam either as they had over looked him in the first draft. Babar Azam was an established name before coming in to the PSL as he had been playing club and domestic level since 2010. Lahore should had just grabbed him in the early days and worked around him.

Islamabad United were able to grab him, and than later on traded him for Iftikhar Ahmad. Karachi realized the value of Babar Azam early on and grabbed him up.

Lahore ignored him in the first draft and than never made trade offers. He would had been a very easy grab even in the third or fourth PSL. Now that Babar is being made captain and as long as he is happy and doesnt have mood issues like Afridi, he would be staying with Karachi for a long time.

Your favourite Misbah dropped him from IU after like 2 matches and cost us the leagues MVP. He would be the captain of IU and we would have been even more successful. Worst mistake for us getting Misbah in the initial team as it will cost us long term.

 

[cricketerB94]

Salt
Shafique
Fakhar
Hafeez
Ghulam
Patel
Wiese
Rashid
Haris
Shaheen
Zaman

 

[TeymurBlake]

A interesting squad nonetheless but the coaching is still terrible.

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Phil Salt (WK)
3. Harry Brook (F)
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Dean Foxcroft (F)
6. Fakhar Zaman
7. David Wiese (F)
8. Rashid Khan (F)
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (C)
10. Haris Rauf
11. Zaman Khan (E)

A quite youthful line-up but its time to say goodbye to the professor, sohail akhtar and zeeshan ashraf but would like to see the two spinners get a game.

 

[krazystrong]

A interesting squad nonetheless but the coaching is still terrible.

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Phil Salt (WK)
3. Harry Brook (F)
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Dean Foxcroft (F)
6. Fakhar Zaman
7. David Wiese (F)
8. Rashid Khan (F)
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (C)
10. Haris Rauf
11. Zaman Khan (E)

A quite youthful line-up but its time to say goodbye to the professor, sohail akhtar and zeeshan ashraf but would like to see the two spinners get a game.

You have 5 foreign players. Take out Foxcroft and bring back Hafeez. This is franchise cricket, don't have to do away with old players for youth. It's about winning this season, why would you forego a good player

 

[shamaan]

Abdullah Shafique
Phil SALT F
Zeeshan Ashraf
Hafeez
Kamran Ghullam
Fakhar Zaman
Weise F
Rashid F
Shaheen
Rauf
Zaman Khan E

A strong line up best bowling line up in the tournament should make the semi Finals.

 

[arehaan]

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Phil Salt
4. Hafeez
5. Kamran Ghulam
6. Dean Foxcroft
7. David Wiese
8. Rashid Khan
9. Shaheen A.
10. Haris Rauf
11. Zaman Khan

 

[TeymurBlake]

A interesting squad nonetheless but the coaching is still terrible.

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Phil Salt (WK)
3. Harry Brook (F)
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Dean Foxcroft (F)
6. Fakhar Zaman
7. David Wiese (F)
8. Rashid Khan (F)
9. Shaheen Shah Afridi (C)
10. Haris Rauf
11. Zaman Khan (E)

A quite youthful line-up but its time to say goodbye to the professor, sohail akhtar and zeeshan ashraf but would like to see the two spinners get a game.

Woops, 5 foreign players instead of 4.

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Phil Salt (WK)
3. Fakhar Zaman
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Dean Foxcroft (F)
6. David Wiese (F)
7. Rashid Khan (F)
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi (C)
9. Maaz Khan
10. Haris Rauf
11. Zaman Khan (E)

 

[Saj]

Overall a decent squad, but I don't think they had a great Sunday.

Some strange picks today.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Looks like Rashid Khan captaining LQ is a real possibility.

 

[Saj]

Looks like Rashid Khan captaining LQ is a real possibility.

Indeed or Shaheeh Shah Afridi.

 

[Maher96]

1 Fakhar
2 Salt
3 Shafiq
4 Hafeez
5 Sohail C
6 Wiese
7 Samit
8 Rashid
9 Shaheen VC
10 Haris
11 Zaman

 

[Kaddy]

Ben Dunk not selected?

 

[Major]

Your favourite Misbah dropped him from IU after like 2 matches and cost us the leagues MVP. He would be the captain of IU and we would have been even more successful. Worst mistake for us getting Misbah in the initial team as it will cost us long term.

He made a great decision. Under misbah we won psl twice.

Babar azam was made a joke by shaun tait. Thus, in that season hewas not ready.

Plus islamabad had brad haddin and khalid latif type players thus babar azam couldnt be suited in the playing 11.

Cricket is about the right combinations.

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Hafeez speaking to the media:

"Wishing good luck to the pacer for becoming an LQ team captain - Shaheen has a good chance to prove himself as a leader.”

“We all have to support Shaheen on the field and we are ready to take pressure on his behalf"

"I will always guide the young captain with everything that he has learned playing professional cricket for Pakistan."

"Whenever he needs me, I’ll be there for Shaheen and I have a firm belief that he will be a successful captain"

"LQ has a good combination side this time and we will try to live up to the expectations of fans"

"There is no use of postponing the event and rescheduling it"

 

[MenInG]

Lahore Qalandars are set to win prize money of Rs 10 million if they win the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Masud Zafar, the CEO of the Bank of Punjab, said. The BOP CEO and Atif Rana, the CEO of the Lahore Qalandars, signed an agreement during a ceremony ahead of the upcoming PSL edition.

 

[MenInG]

PM Imran Khan hopes Lahore Qalandars will win PSL 7

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his desire for the Lahore Qalandars to win the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), according to a statement issued by the pm office on Thursday.

The prime minister's comments came during a meeting with Lahore Qalandars CEO Atif Rana, where he said the franchise's decision to appoint a young captain -- Shaheen Shah Afridi -- would prove to be fruitful.

During the meeting, the newly-appointed skipper and Director Operations Qalandars Aqib Javed, and Special Assistant to the PM on Youth Affairs were also present.

"Youngsters have always changed the course of matches," the prime minister noted.

He added that the Qalandars have made a "unique" position for themselves among the PSL franchises. "Talent hunt at the grass root level is one the specialities of the Qalandars."

The prime minister also lauded the young pacer's performance during the T20 World Cup -- which was one of the main reasons behind Pakistan's historic win against India -- and asked him to continue making his mark in cricket.

Meanwhile, the CEO of the franchise apprised the prime minister of the Qalandars future plans for cricket and also acknowledged the progress that the franchise made in the Kamyab Jawan Sports Programme.

At the end, the prime minister appreciated the Lahore Qalandars and the achievements made through the Kamyab Jawan Programme.

 

[MenInG]

PSL 7 Preview : Lahore Qalandars – Dam Mast Qalandar or Bust in 2022?

Many thanks to [MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] for this write up.

Is this the year for the Qalandars? That question would be on the mind of every Lahore Qalandar fan who are yet to see their franchise lift the PSL trophy. The closest they ever came was in 2020 when they played the final with their arch rivals Karachi Kings but, it wasn’t their day and they lost by 5 wickets.

This year while the Head Coach role is still (curiously) occupied by Aaqib Javed but, the captaincy has gone to the premier Lahore Qalandar as well as Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Shaheen is riding high on confidence with a phenomenal year across the formats behind his back but, the question would be that will he be able to translate the same into his leadership as well.

While he has never had captaincy experience before, he is often seen on field talking to and guiding young pacers when in Pakistan colors or in domestic cricket – a skill which could come handy in his new role.

Qalandars squad this time around on paper looks to be possibly their best in terms of combinations that it allows. With young batting sensation in Abdullah Shafique to top run scorer in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (2020) competition in Kamran Ghulam who recently scored a T20 hundred as well for KPK, they have got some solid local batting options.

Mix it with the fire power they have in Fakhar Zaman, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, David Wiese they potentially have a pretty solid batting pedigree for the 2022 edition of the tournament.

Their bowling needs no fancy words to describe it as its arguably the best in the competition with the Pakistani spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, their own product Haris Rauf who is sending the waves around the T20 circuit and ICCs best T20 cricketer of the decade Rashid Khan leading the spin attack.

Emerging pacer Zaman Khan who got the limelight through Kashmir Premier League will be one of their emerging pace bowling options followed by their sliver category pick in the highly talented left-arm seamer Akif Javed - both of them can be solid support options for the Qalandars bowling line-up.

This time around they possibly have all basis covered but, Lahore will also need some luck and some Qalandari spirit which is a key ingredient when it comes to winning trophies, especially in the T20 format.

Key players: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Rashid Khan, Phil Salt, Fakhar Zaman, David Weise

Strengths: Bowling attack and overall combination depth

Weakness: No experienced local or overseas specialist spinner as a back up to Rashid Khan


Full Squad:

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rashid Khan, David Wiese, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Akhtar, Zeeshan Ashraf, Ahmed Daniyal, Fakhar Zaman, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Dean Foxcroft, Zaman Khan, Maaz Khan, Samit Patel, Syed Faridoun

Supplementary round: Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Akif Javed

Partial replacement: Ben Dunk, Matthew Potts

 

[Maher96]

Need to find the right balance in the team.

Fakhar
Abdullah
Hafeez
Dunk
Sohail Akhtar
Wiese
Samit Patel
Rashid
Shaheen
Rauf
Zaman Khan

Think this would be there 1st team.

 

[MenInG]

Announcement of Scholarship Program in the name of

Shaheen Afridi’s Father (Mohammad Ayaz Khan Afridi)

Monday, 24th January, 2022

Lahore Qalandars has opened a scholarship program in the name Mohammad Ayyaz Khan Afridi (father of Shaheen Shah Afridi) for five underprivileged Under-18 kids from the country. The oneyear program will offer the youngster the opportunity to develop not only their cricket skills but the franchise will provide a comprehensive support in nurturing them with basic education.

The scholarship program is essentially based on Lahore Qalandars selfless commitment towards the community. To cherish and honor the success of the Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi in international cricket, the franchise has decided to set up a trust and lift five young kids bear the financial cost for a year in a bid to develop their cricket, give them international exposure and enroll them for a basic schooling to build their capacity so that they can thriving in society for their livelihood.

“Our mission is to make a difference in the cricketing community allowing youngsters to rise above poverty and reduce barriers to entry in the circuit,” Sameen Rana, Lahore Qalandars owner said. “This country is crazy about cricket and there are millions aspiring to become a cricketer but are deprived of basic facilities. There is no guarantee that they will end up playing for Pakistan but we can ensure that they are developed enough to excel in the domestic circuit.”

The whole package includes one year free education, a year at a Qalandars High Performance Center and fully paid opportunity to train in Australia , South Africa and England. The scholarship program will accept applications online details which will be shared shortly. Lahore Qalandars’ Player Development Program, one of the landmark projects in the country, inspired millions of raw cricketers. The program has already provided opportunities to over 150 young players annually and aimed to unearth new talent regardless of background creating a sense of equality.

Recently, English county, Yorkshire have signed a partnership with Lahore Qalandars, to "nurture talent [by] reducing barriers to entry" following the racism crisis which has engulfed England lately.

 

[MenInG]

As always - the prep is good but execution - well lets see what happens this year.

 

[MenInG]

Samit Patel - how is he in this squad? and why?

 

[MenInG]

Dean Foxcroft from SA

 

[MenInG]

Harry Brook and Phil Salt have now arrived in Pakistan for Lahore Qalandars

 

[shamaan]

Salt should replace Kamran Ghullam and Abdullah should bat at 3

 

[zacattakk]

Harry Brook and Phil Salt have now arrived in Pakistan for Lahore Qalandars

I've never heard of Dean Foxcroft or Harry Brook. Are they any good?

 

[MenInG]

Pictures (courtesy of LQ Media) of Lahore Qalandars practice today

 

[MenInG]

Lahore Qalandars - Shaheen Shah Afridi: “We played some outstanding cricket in Karachi in what was a very competitive start to the HBL PSL 7. At present, number three on the points table is not a bad position to be in as it keeps us in the hunt of a top-two finish and a potential advantage in the play-offs.

“As a captain, I am pleased with the efforts the Qalandars have put in so far. Fakhar Zaman has been batting exceptionally well for us at the top of the innings and his consistency has been a major help to the side.

“We have a quality bowling attack and I am confident that our bowling will win us matches in Lahore. The second-half of the tournament is at our home turf and I am sure we will receive impassioned support, backing and following at the Gaddafi Stadium, especially with a 100 per cent crowd towards the backend of the tournament. I would urge the Lahore fans to get ready for some world class entertainment and make their way to the GSL for the support of not only the Qalandars but the HBL PSL.”

 

[shamaan]

Is Rashid going back for international duties.

 

[MenInG]

Pictures (courtesy of LQ Media) of Lahore Qalandars practicing ahead of the Lahore leg of PSL 7

 

[MenInG]

As per reports, Lahore Qalandars have announced Fawad Ahmed as the replacement for Rashid Khan who will be unavailable from 19th Feb onwards due to international duties.

 

[Saj]

Absolutely love watching their bowling attack when they are on-song.

Wicket-taking bowlers who don't care about conceding a few runs here and there.

 

[shamaan]

As per reports, Lahore Qalandars have announced Fawad Ahmed as the replacement for Rashid Khan who will be unavailable from 19th Feb onwards due to international duties.

Decent enough replacements for Rashid.

 

[shamaan]

Lohare attack is international level standards.

 

[DRsohail]

Lohare attack is international level standards.

Eveb better, of their 5yy bowler w was specailist.They even have Kamran Ghulam and Hafiz as 6th and 7th option.

 

[zacattakk]

A majority of Hafeezs innings was pretty poor in the last game, until he finally hit some shots in the end. He really killed the momentum when he came in and put pressure on the other batsmen. If they want to win this then they cant have Kamran Ghulam and Hafeez batting in adjacent positions. They could have scored more if they sent Salt and Brooks instead.

 

[shamaan]

A majority of Hafeezs innings was pretty poor in the last game, until he finally hit some shots in the end. He really killed the momentum when he came in and put pressure on the other batsmen. If they want to win this then they cant have Kamran Ghulam and Hafeez batting in adjacent positions. They could have scored more if they sent Salt and Brooks instead.

I would played salt at the opening slot and Abdullah at 3 and hafeez at 4

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I wont get married a second time until Lahore Qalandars win a PSL final. Good luck Shaheen Shah Afridi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Psl7?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Psl7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/YKRXZsV8k3">pic.twitter.com/YKRXZsV8k3</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1493617553930956809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Pictures (courtesy of LQ Media) of Lahore Qalandars practice in Lahore #PSL7

 

[Saj]

I tend to feel that LQ rely more on individual brilliance rather than having a proper game-plan.

Today MS totally outclassed them when it came to tactics, their game-plan and team selection.

 

[transparent opacity]

Major boost for Lahore Qalandars as Rashid Khan likely to play in PSL final

LAHORE: In a major development, Lahore Qalandars’ star player Rashid Khan would be available for his team in the final of the Pakistan Super League, sources told Geo News Saturday.

It is pertinent to mention here that the defending champions Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars will lock horns on Sunday for the PSL trophy.

On February 20, the Qalandars’ right-arm spinner had left the PSL franchise to join his national squad for the ODI and T20I series against Bangladesh.

He had received a befitting farewell from his teammates and a big warm hug from Qalandars skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi.

One of the clips showed the Qalandars giving the 23-year-old bowler acclaim for his splendid bowling throughout the season in a guard of honour style while he runs amidst their rows, joining hands with each one of them.

Khan has been sensational for the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Qalandars in the PSL 2022, taking 13 wickets in nine matches.

Meanwhile, Fawad Ahmed had been approved as a replacement for Rashid Khan by the PSL Technical Committee.

 

[shamaan]

I Don't think Rashid will play the final.