Supplementary : Abdul Razzaq, Mukhtar Ahmad, Ehsan Adil, Imran Butt

Captain : Azhar Ali

Management and Coaching Staff : Paddy Upton (Head Coach), Shahid Aslam

In a recent interview with PakPassion, the CEO of Lahore Qalandars described the presence of Chris Gayle as the single biggest reason for the potential success of the inaugural edition of the PSL. In his words Gayle is the “King of T20” and if a team boasts such a person in their ranks, can they not be seriously considered as the top contenders for the title?

Add to that mix some players who are well known international names in this hit-and-giggle format of the game and you have a team supremely sure of its capabilities, almost bordering on over-confidence at times.

But are they justified in their expectations as sure winners?

Without doubt Chris Gayle can turn the game on its head or simply obliterate the opposition bowlers from ball one of an innings but remember, the higher you climb, the quicker you fall as well! So in the situation where Gayle falls early, who can carry the attack to the opposition? Qalandar’s captain Azhar Ali is not really known for his T20 capabilities but then Umar Akmal and Mohammad Rizwan are two names who can crack a few boundary boards, especially given the benign nature of UAE pitches. 

The New Zealand tour wasn’t kind on some of the Pakistan players and if they are to keep Lahore’s hopes high, they will have to shrug off the negative effects of that disastrous T20I series. Players like Sohaib Maqsood come highly recommended and one hopes that he will find form for Qalandar’s benefit and forget his New Zealand nightmare in a hurry!

The all-rounder department is well served for Lahore Qalandars in the shape of Hammad Azam and Naved Yasin – both players promising a lot of fire-power in both bowling and batting but the absence of Yasir Shah due to a doping charge is a blow to Qalandar’s hopes. The presence of the gifted Zafar Gohar and the inclusion of Ajantha Mendis (Yasir Shah’s) replacement should provide the missing ingredients in the spin department while the ever dependable international talent in the shape of Dwayne Bravo, along with Pakistan’s Zia-ul-Haq will carry the burden of the fast-bowling duties. For Zia, this is a role he can play with ease, if his performances in the recently concluded National One-Day cup are any measure.

A team which is not short of some exceptional talent seems like an easy pick as champions but will raw talent be enough to challenge the best in the PSL? Qalandars’ hopes will hinge on one name which is Chris Gayle. He will be the torch-bearer for their success and if his reputation is anything to go by, he will provide many hours of entertainment and joy, not just for the Qalandars supporters but for all fans who are looking forward to Pakistan’s belated entry in the fun world of Twenty20 leagues.

Key player : Chris Gayle
Players to watch : Naved Yasin, Zafar Gohar and Umar Akmal