Qalandars boost squad ahead of Gladiators clash

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have further strengthen their squad ahead of their meeting against Quetta Gladiators on Monday.

The defending champions suffered an eight-wicket defeat against Islamabad United in the opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine at the Gaddafi Stadium.

However, the received a major boost after the inclusion of Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite, who joined the squad on Sunday.

They are available for selection for today’s game at the Gaddafi Stadium.

“Sikandar, known for his all-round skills and dynamic presence on the field, joins Lahore Qalandars with a wealth of experience. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds a valuable dimension to the team’s strategy. He is part of Qalandars’ core and was retained in their roster but missed the opening game due to prior commitments in ILT20, which concluded on February 17 in Dubai,” the Qalandars said in a press release.

“Carlos Brathwaite, a T20 specialist and a renowned power-hitter, brings his explosive batting prowess and strategic bowling to the Lahore Qalandars lineup. He has been called up to strengthen the Qalandars’ bench.

“Both players are set to be available for the entire tournament, starting today, adding depth and international flair to Lahore Qalandars’ quest for glory.

“The team’s management expresses confidence in the newly acquired talent and believes their addition will play a pivotal role in the squad’s success.”

It is worth to mention here that Gladiators went off to a winning start in the tournament with a 16-run victory against arch-rival Peshawar Zalmi at the same venue on Sunday.