Lahore: Lahore Qalandars got their PSL 11 campaign off to a strong start as opener Fakhar Zaman smashed a quickfire fifty to help his team tame the debutant Hyderabad Kingsmen in the tournament opener.
Fakhar scored a brisk 53 off 39 balls, studded with 10 boundaries, providing the perfect launchpad for the Qalandars. The match, played at Gaddafi Stadium, marked the beginning of the expanded eight-team edition of the Pakistan Super League.
Despite the absence of live spectators due to the current regional situation, the players delivered an entertaining contest on the field. The Qalandars successfully chased down the target, with Fakhar’s aggressive batting setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
The PSL 11 is being held with matches restricted to only two venues — Lahore and Karachi — and initial games are taking place behind closed doors as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing Middle East tensions. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has assured that the league will continue as scheduled, calling it Pakistan’s “international brand and pride.”
Fans have taken to social media to express both excitement for the cricket and disappointment over the lack of crowd atmosphere.
