The “Yellow Storm” is back in action today as Peshawar Zalmi begins its quest for a second title in the opening stages of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11. However, the excitement for local fans is bittersweet as security concerns and regional tensions have cast a shadow over the team’s home fixtures.
Peshawar Zalmi, led by captain Babar Azam, is scheduled to face the Rawalpindiz today, March 28, at 2:30 PM PST. While fans in Peshawar had hoped to see their heroes at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, the match is being held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The squad enters the tournament with high expectations after a strategic auction that brought in Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie alongside retained stars like Mohammad Haris and young pace sensation Ali Raza.
Despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee’s earlier approval to host matches in Peshawar, recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions and security alerts have forced the PCB to keep the tournament restricted primarily to Lahore and Karachi.
Security Measures: Local authorities in Peshawar recently sealed over 14 markets as a precautionary measure following threat alerts.
Travel Advisories: International cricket boards and embassies have advised players to remain cautious, leading to the relocation of several “home” games for the Zalmi franchise.
Babar Azam’s Mission
Captain Babar Azam, the league’s all-time top scorer, addressed the media ahead of the opener, emphasizing the team’s resilience. “Our spirit remains with the people of Peshawar. Whether we play in Lahore or Karachi, we play for the fans back home who have waited a decade to see us,” Azam stated during a rain-affected practice session earlier this week.
The team aims to break its “knockout jinx” this year, having consistently reached the playoffs in previous seasons but falling short of the trophy since 2017
Squads:
Peshawar Zalmi Squad: Mohammad Haris(w), Babar Azam(c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Kusal Mendis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Michael Bracewell, Aaron Hardie, Brian Bennett, Mirza Tahir Baig, Aamer Jamal, Khalid Usman, Sufiyan Muqeem, Khurram Shahzad, Shahnawaz Dahani, Abdul Subhan, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Ali Raza, Kashif Ali, Farhan Yousaf
Rawalpindi Pindiz Squad: Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Sam Billings, Jalat Khan, Usman Khawaja, Abdullah Fazal, Shahzaib Khan, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Dian Forrester, Kamran Ghulam, Saad Masood, Naseem Shah, Amad Butt, Rishad Hossain, Mohammad Amir, Cole McConchie, Asif Afridi, Fawad Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan, Razaullah.
Read also:Peshawar Zalmi signs key foreign player ahead of PSL 11
