Defending champions Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his enthusiasm for inducting new international talent into the team and expanding the tournament to new venues, predicting that these developments will provide a significant boost to cricket fans across the country.

The 11th edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, with three-time champions Lahore Qalandars taking on Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in the opening clash.

Speaking to the media during the team’s intensive training camp in Islamabad, Afridi also reflected on the franchise’s remarkable journey in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stressing that their success extends beyond the trophies they have won.

“For PSL 11, many new players have joined the team, including foreign players. The matches will also be played at new stadiums, which will further excite the fans and allow them to enjoy cricket even more,” Afridi said.

The young speed sensation who has been the face of the resurgence of the Rangers took a moment to highlight the organization’s long-term vision and commitment to grassroots development before looking ahead to the season ahead.

“The last four to five years have been very good for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League,” he said.

“Winning the cup is one thing, but the outstanding record has brought forward players from the player development program and given them opportunities. Now, these players are performing at the national and regional levels,” he added.

The left-arm pacer discussed the meticulous planning that defines the Gulanthers’ approach, how the franchise’s investment in talent-hunting drives has created a strong sense of camaraderie and the pipeline of future stars ready to shine on the biggest stage.

“Lahore Qalandars organize camps before the start of PSL so that the new players get a chance to understand and get to know each other. This time the trials have been conducted and good talent has emerged. Again a couple of great players will come to the PSL and in the next ten years many great players will come forward,” he said.

The 11th edition of the marquee tournament will span 39 days with eight teams participating. Along with the six original franchises, the expanded competition has two new entrants – Bindis and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen.

A total of 44 matches will be played, with defending champions Lahore Qalandars set to kick off against Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen on March 26.

Each team will play ten group-stage matches, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The final will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 3, with May 4 as a contingency date.

The tournament will feature six double-headers, three of which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium.

With Faisalabad and Peshawar hosting PSL matches for the first time, along with Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi, matches will be held at six venues.

Gaddafi Stadium has played the most matches (15), followed by Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (11), Faisalabad Iqbal Stadium (seven), National Bank Stadium in Karachi (six) and Multan Cricket Stadium (four).

The only match between Peshawar Zalmi and Bindis will be played on March 28 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar.

Lahore Qalandars Squad for PSL 11: Shaheen Shah Afridi (catch), Abdullah Shafiq, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Raoob, Usama Mir, Faqar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Farooq, Dasun Shanaka, Parvez Hossain, Tayake Mohirti, Tayake Mohirdi, Tayake Mohirdi.

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