PSL 2025: Best Playing XI Of Lahore Qalandars Ft. Shaheen Afridi

The countdown is nearly over. The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set to begin on April 11, 2025, with a blockbuster opening clash between defending champions Islamabad United and two-time champions Lahore Qalandars. Fans can expect fireworks straightaway as two PSL heavyweights lock horns in what promises to be a high-voltage start to the season.

With a decade of PSL cricket behind us, this landmark edition brings heightened excitement, fierce rivalries, and massive stakes. A double round-robin format returns to ensure every franchise gets ten matches before the playoffs, making consistency and squad depth more crucial than ever.

Among the six franchises, all eyes will be on Lahore Qalandars — a team that went from perennial underachievers to becoming one of the most feared sides in recent years. After securing titles in 2022 and 2023, Shaheen Afridi’s brigade had a lukewarm PSL 2024. Now, heading into PSL 2025, the Qalandars return with renewed ambition, tactical depth, and a squad packed with international flair and local firepower.

Let’s break down what makes Lahore Qalandars a genuine title contender this season, starting with their strongest playing XI and the expectations around each player.

1. Fakhar Zaman – The Tone-Setter at the Top

Role: Left-hand opening batter
Strength: Fearless hitting, explosive powerplay approach

If Lahore wants to dominate, Fakhar’s blade must fire early. A veteran of T20 theatrics, Fakhar Zaman’s role is straightforward yet vital — unleash carnage from ball one. Whether it’s smashing pacers over mid-wicket or sweeping spinners out of the park, Fakhar has the ability to demoralize bowlers in the opening six overs. If he gets going, expect Lahore to get a blazing head start. A quick 40 or 50 from him can be more valuable than a steady 70.

2. Kusal Perera (wk) – The X-Factor Lefty

Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
Strength: Attacking intent, excellent against spin

Slotting in beside Fakhar is the dynamic Sri Lankan, Kusal Perera. Known for his counter-attacking style and flair, he offers a perfect contrast to Fakhar. If Lahore loses an early wicket, Perera can anchor and rotate; if they get a good start, he can accelerate and take the game away. Behind the stumps, he’s a safe pair of hands and a vocal presence — both critical in high-pressure scenarios.

3. Abdullah Shafique – The Anchor Amidst Fireworks

Role: Right-hand top-order batter
Strength: Temperament, classical technique

In a team filled with hitters, Abdullah Shafique brings balance. His ability to soak pressure, especially during collapses or against spin-heavy oppositions, makes him invaluable. If wickets tumble, Abdullah’s calm head and proper technique help Lahore rebuild. And once set, he can shift gears. In chases, his presence is golden. Think of him as the glue that holds the innings together.

4. Daryl Mitchell – Mr. Reliable in the Middle

Role: Batting all-rounder (right-hand bat, part-time medium pace)
Strength: Adaptability, calmness under pressure

Daryl Mitchell is Lahore’s middle-order insurance policy. Whether they need to consolidate or finish, Mitchell can do both. His smart cricketing acumen allows him to read the game better than most. He also brings handy medium pace, ideal to sneak in a couple of overs and mix things up. Expect him to be the crisis man — rebuilding innings or absorbing pressure when the going gets tough.

5. Sikandar Raza – The Spin Wizard & Finisher

Role: Off-spinning all-rounder
Strength: Match-winner with bat and ball

Few players in modern T20 cricket offer the versatility of Sikandar Raza. Whether it’s breaking partnerships with nagging off-spin or rescuing innings with crucial cameos, Raza is always in the game. He’s the kind of player who delivers when the stakes are high. In low-scoring thrillers or high-octane finishes, Raza is Lahore’s trump card. He also brings experience from leagues across the globe, which is a big plus in pressure games.

6. David Wiese – The Finisher With A Mean Yorker

Role: Pace-bowling all-rounder
Strength: Big-hitting, death bowling

A PSL cult hero, David Wiese is back to wreak havoc again. With the bat, he’s a game-changer in the last 4–5 overs. With the ball, he thrives under pressure, bowling cutters, yorkers, and slower ones with precision. Wiese’s T20 IQ is top-notch, and he’s also an inspirational figure in the dressing room. Lahore will bank on his experience, both with bat and ball, especially in tight finishes.

7. Asif Ali – The Boundary Hunter

Role: Lower-order power-hitter
Strength: Six-hitting ability, quick acceleration

Asif Ali has one job — hit big, hit clean, and hit often. When Lahore needs 40 off 20, he’s the guy. His strike rate in the last five overs can decide games. Asif might not bat every match, but when he does, expect fireworks. Even a 15-ball 30 could tilt matches. He’s Lahore’s chaos merchant in the best way possible.

8. Shaheen Shah Afridi (c) – The Spearhead & Leader

Role: Left-arm fast bowler
Strength: Deadly new-ball swing, lethal yorkers, leadership

Captain, enforcer, strike bowler — Shaheen Afridi wears many hats. With the new ball, he’s arguably the most dangerous pacer in the league. He’ll be Lahore’s weapon in the powerplay and will return to finish games with toe-crushing yorkers. As captain, he has matured rapidly, making bold calls and inspiring his troops. PSL 2025 could cement his legacy not just as a bowler, but as a leader.

9. Haris Rauf – The Raw-Paced Gamebreaker

Role: Right-arm fast bowler
Strength: Express pace, wicket-taking threat

Haris Rauf brings venom. His pace can rattle batters, his bouncers unsettle, and his aggression sets the tone. He thrives in the middle and death overs, often delivering crucial breakthroughs. If Lahore needs a game-changing over, Haris is their man. A Haris-Shaheen combo in the death overs is as terrifying as it gets in PSL.

10. Zaman Khan – The Slingy Assassin

Role: Right-arm fast bowler
Strength: Unorthodox action, accurate yorkers

If death bowling is an art, Zaman Khan is a young master. His Lasith Malinga-like slingy action makes him a nightmare to read. Known for his ice-cool temperament, Zaman bowls in high-pressure overs and often comes out on top. Expect him to be Lahore’s go-to bowler in tight games when 10 are needed off the final over.

11. Asif Afridi – The Spin Anchor

Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner
Strength: Tight lines, control, variation

In a pace-heavy setup, Asif Afridi brings spin stability. He’ll be tasked with bowling during the middle overs, especially on slower pitches. His job will be to tie up one end, build pressure, and allow others to attack from the other. Don’t be surprised if he ends up being Lahore’s most economical bowler of the season.

Squad Strengths at a Glance

Balanced Composition: Explosive openers, solid middle order, all-rounders, and a lethal pace attack.
Experience + Youth: Stars like Wiese, Raza, and Perera add experience; Abdullah and Zaman bring youthful energy.
Bowling Depth: Multiple death-bowling options (Shaheen, Haris, Zaman, Wiese).
Leadership: Shaheen’s tactical growth and aggressive style inject confidence across the squad.

Road Ahead – What Lahore Needs to Do

To win their third PSL title and dominate this 10th edition, Lahore Qalandars will need:

Fast Starts: Fakhar and Perera must capitalize on the powerplay.
Middle Overs Control: Raza, Asif Afridi, and Mitchell’s control with the ball will be key.
Death Execution: Zaman, Haris, and Wiese must continue nailing the final overs.
Leadership Impact: Shaheen’s aggressive captaincy and tactical moves will be under the scanner.
Consistency: Avoid the mid-season slump — rotate smartly and play matchups.

Final Word: Can Qalandars Go All the Way?

They certainly can. This Lahore Qalandars unit has the right blend of power, experience, youth, and tactical nous. If key players remain fit and Shaheen Afridi continues to evolve as a leader, there’s no reason why the Qalandars can’t lift their third trophy come May 18 in Lahore.

Brace yourself. PSL 2025 is here — and Lahore Qalandars are ready to paint the league green once again.

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