Lahore Qalandars choose to bat against Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 11 opener

Lahore Qalandars won the toss and elected to bat first against Hyderabad Kingsmen as the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League began at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.

The tournament has been expanded to eight teams this season and will be staged in Lahore and Karachi. Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz have been added as new franchises, while Multan Sultans are operating under new administration after initially being introduced as Sialkot Stallions.

Lahore Qalandars, captained by Shaheen Shah Afridi, entered the season after winning three of the last four editions. Their bowling unit includes Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mustafizur Rahman, while the batting line-up features Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman and Sikandar Raza.

Hyderabad Kingsmen are making their debut in the league with a squad led by Marnus Labuschagne. The side includes Glenn Maxwell, Riley Meredith, Kusal Perera and Saim Ayub, with Meredith remaining the only overseas fast bowler after Ottneil Baartman’s withdrawal.

Weather conditions in Lahore remained clear, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C during the match.

Matches in this season are being held without spectators after the Pakistan Cricket Board restricted fixtures to Lahore and Karachi under government austerity measures.