LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have confirmed the signing of Zimbabwean all-rounder Ryan Pearl as a direct selection ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.
The franchise made the announcement via their official social media channels that Pearl becomes their final addition for Season 11, bringing the squad size to 20 players.
The 31-year-old joins compatriot and T20I captain Sikandar Raza as the second Zimbabwean in the Gilanders line-up for the tournament.
Burl is set to make his PSL debut having previously featured in overseas tournaments such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and ILD20.
(In 37 BPL matches, the left-handed batsman has scored 620 runs at a strike rate of 127.57, including a half-century, and has also taken 13 wickets.)
In 118 T20 Internationals for Zimbabwe, Pearl has amassed 1,948 runs at a strike rate of 124.95 with four fifties and an additional 62 wickets.
The upcoming edition of the PSL marks a major expansion, with eight teams competing for the first time.
The tournament featuring newly added teams Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi is scheduled to be held from March 26 to May 3. A total of 44 matches will be held over 39 days.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised its logistical plans, controlling all matches behind closed doors in Karachi and Lahore.
This marks a departure from the original schedule which included places like Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the decision was taken after consultation with the owners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Lahore will host Eliminators 1 and 2 and the finals, while Karachi is set for the qualifiers. There is no change in the opening match between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Lahore Qalandars.
With the matches being held without spectators, the organizers have promised enhanced broadcast and production features to enhance the viewing experience for fans in Pakistan and around the world.
Lahore Qalandars squad updated for PSL 11: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafiq, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Haris Raoob, Usama Mir, Faqar Zaman, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Chams, Parvez Hussain Eman, Hussaif Tahirlat, D. Rubin Herman, Maz Khan, Ryan Burl and Shahab Khan.
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