Shakib and Rishad Power Lahore Qalandars' Quest for PSL Final Spot

In a crucial step toward reaching the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, Lahore Qalandars have included two Bangladeshi stars, Shakib Al Hasan and Rishad Hossain, in their best XI for the second Qualifier. After a long break from the starting lineup, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain made his return, and he couldn’t hide his excitement, speaking candidly in Bangla.

Sharing his emotions and goals ahead of the match, Rishad said:

“Our goal is to become champions. We have no other target. Whatever it takes to win the championship—we’ll give our best today and on the 25th (the final), Inshallah.”

Standing beside him, senior teammate Shakib Al Hasan translated Rishad’s words into Urdu for the rest of the squad, who responded with a round of applause.

Rishad’s inclusion in the playing XI came at the expense of pacer Zaman Khan, emphasizing Lahore’s tactical shift ahead of the high-stakes game.

Today, Friday, Lahore Qalandars face Islamabad United in the second Qualifier. Winning the toss, Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi elected to bat first. If they win, Lahore will advance to the PSL 2025 final on May 25 against Quetta Gladiators.

Lahore Qalandars Playing XI:

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naim, Abdullah Shafique, Kusal Perera (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Asif Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Salman Mirza, Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf.