Shakib arrives in Islamabad to boost Qalandars ahead of must-win PSL clash
The Bangladesh all-rounder landed in the early hours of 17 May and is set to make his return to competitive cricket after nearly six months, having last played on 30 November 2023 for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.
Shakib Al Hasan has arrived in Islamabad to join Lahore Qalandars ahead of their decisive Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash against Peshawar Zalmi on 18 May in Rawalpindi.
The Bangladesh all-rounder landed in the early hours of 17 May and is set to make his return to competitive cricket after nearly six months, having last played on 30 November 2023 for the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. His return offers a timely boost for the Qalandars, who must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. A defeat would eliminate the defending champions from the tournament.
The franchise confirmed his arrival with a Facebook post reading: "Wait is over! Shakib Al Hasan has touched down in Pakistan."
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Shakib joins the squad as a replacement for injured New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell. While he is expected to play only in the final group match, his availability for the knockout stage—should Lahore qualify—will depend on fitness and team requirements. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) following confirmation of his signing.
Sri Lanka internationals Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have also joined the Qalandars squad, as has Australian star David Warner, further bolstering the side ahead of the business end of the season.
This will be Shakib's first appearance in the PSL since 2023. He made his tournament debut back in 2016 for Karachi Kings, scoring 126 runs and taking three wickets in eight matches. He played for Peshawar Zalmi the following season, collecting five wickets and 54 runs in five matches. In the 2023 edition, he returned for another brief stint with Peshawar, but featured in only one game.
In total, across three PSL campaigns with Karachi and Peshawar, Shakib has played 14 matches, scoring 181 runs and picking up eight wickets.
The PSL resumed on 17 May following a short suspension due to regional tensions. The remaining fixtures are being staged in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the final scheduled for 25 May.
