In Pakistan Super League 2026, the defending champions Lahore Qalandars not only failed to defend their title in Season 11, but also, unfortunately, could not secure a place among the top four teams.

In PSL 11, Lahore Qalandars began their campaign successfully by defeating Hyderabad Kings Men by 69 runs in the opening match. However, in the 39th match of the league, Rawalpindies were beaten by 108 runs by Hyderabad Kings Men, who, with a superior net run rate, secured a spot in the top four alongside Islamabad United, Multan Sultans, and Peshawar Zalmi.

Since 2020, Lahore Qalandars had played four finals of the Pakistan Super League, but in Season 11 they played 10 matches, winning 5 and losing 5.

At National Stadium Karachi, Lahore Qalandars lost 3 out of their 4 matches. Scores of 100 against Islamabad United, 97 against Peshawar Zalmi, and a modest 134 against Quetta Gladiators reflected a disappointing batting performance from the three-time champions, which negatively affected their net run rate on the points table.

In the auction, Lahore Qalandars spent heavily to secure their poster boys Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman. However, in Season 11, Haris Rauf was unable to truly support the team with his performance. Taking 12 wickets in 9 matches at an economy rate of 9.79, his bowling came under serious scrutiny.

In contrast, left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman played a key role in pushing Lahore Qalandars forward with his performances. On March 29 at Gaddafi Stadium, he was accused of ball tampering and received a two-match ban. Despite this, in 8 matches, Fakhar Zaman scored 401 runs off 264 balls at a strike rate of 151.89 for Lahore Qalandars. He also claimed 4 Player of the Match awards, proving his importance to the team.

However, apart from Fakhar Zaman, the batting unit of Lahore Qalandars failed to meet expectations.

Abdullah Shafique (245), Sikandar Raza (162), Haseebullah Khan (123), and Muhammad Naeem (118) were the only four batters who managed to reach three figures in total runs. This was one of the main reasons behind Lahore Qalandars’ poor performance this season.

In bowling, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi did take 16 wickets at an economy rate of 7.86. However, his figures of 0/51 against Karachi Kings on April 23 at Gaddafi Stadium can be considered a key reason behind the team’s elimination from the tournament.

Youngster Obaid Shah and leg-spinner Usama Mir also failed to live up to expectations.

Lahore Qalandars, representing the city of the spirited people, are a reality in the Pakistan Super League. The team has played a key role in energizing the PSL, gaining nationwide recognition through its performances, victories, player development program, and high-performance center, and has gone on to achieve success at the international level. This is why cricket fans are disappointed that Lahore Qalandars are not among the final four teams.

Lahore Qalandars have kept their fans engaged, and this is one of the major achievements of the Pakistan Super League.