PCB names PSL 11 Team of the Tournament

The PCB has announced the PSL 11 Team of the Tournament, with Babar Azam named captain after finishing as the season’s leading run-scorer. The side features players from six franchises, led by three selections each from Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday announced the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Team of the Tournament, with Babar Azam named captain after leading a title-winning campaign.

According to the PCB, the side includes three players each from Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, two each from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, and one player apiece from Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.

The board said the selection was made by a five-member panel drawn from the commentary team. The same jury also finalised the Emerging Team of the Tournament to acknowledge the leading young performers of the season.

A total of 44 matches were played between March 26 and May 3 in Lahore and Karachi.

Babar leads after prolific season

Babar finished the tournament as the top run-scorer with 588 runs. Opening the batting, he also secured the Hanif Mohammad Cap and matched the record for the most runs in a single PSL season, equalling Fakhar Zaman’s 2022 tally.

His season included two centuries, scored in matches against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United. The PCB said Babar lifted his third PSL title as a player and his first as captain.

Peshawar Zalmi also have Kusal Mendis and Sufyan Moqim in the XI. Mendis made 550 runs, including four half-centuries and one century, and also completed eight dismissals as wicketkeeper. His hundred came against Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium on April 9.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim took 22 wickets at an average of 14.40 and an economy rate of 7.20. He was also awarded Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler honours.

Representatives from five franchises

Hyderabad Kingsmen’s three selections are Usman Khan, Hassan Khan and Hunain Shah. Usman ended the season fourth on the run-scoring charts with 389 runs, including one century and three half-centuries.

Hassan scored 139 runs at a strike rate of 195, while also taking six wickets and contributing in the field. Hunain Shah claimed 17 wickets in 10 matches and, according to the PCB, became an important bowler in the latter part of the tournament.

From Lahore Qalandars, Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi were included. Fakhar scored 401 runs to finish third overall among the leading run-getters, while Shaheen took 16 wickets at an economy rate of 7.86.

Multan Sultans’ Shan Masood earned selection after making 367 runs at an average of 45.87 and a strike rate of 158.18.

Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan was also named in the side after contributing 173 runs and taking 17 wickets during the season. He was named Best All-Rounder of the Tournament. His teammate Richard Gleeson was selected for his new-ball impact, ending the competition with 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.13.

Quetta Gladiators’ Hasan Nawaz was named 12th player after scoring 291 runs.

PSL 11 Team of the Tournament

The PCB named the side as: Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) (c), Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars), Kusal Mendis (Peshawar Zalmi) (wk), Shan Masood (Multan Sultans), Usman Khan (Hyderabad Kingsmen), Shadab Khan (Islamabad United), Hassan Khan (Hyderabad Kingsmen), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars), Hunain Shah (Hyderabad Kingsmen), Sufyan Moqim (Peshawar Zalmi), Richard Gleeson (Islamabad United), and Hasan Nawaz (Quetta Gladiators) as 12th player.