Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have officially announced their list of retained players ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) player auction set for February 11, 2026. The franchise has finalized its core squad as it prepares to defend its title in the upcoming season.
Lahore Qalandars initially placed 13 players in their retention pool across different categories, including Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Emerging. Big names such as captain Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf were listed in the Platinum category, while several other key performers were spread across the remaining groups.
After reviewing their options, the Lahore Qalandars confirmed four players they will keep for the next season. Shaheen Afridi has been retained in the Platinum category to continue leading the side. Abdullah Shafique stays in Diamond, Sikandar Raza has been selected in Gold, and Mohammad Naeem has been retained in Silver. The franchise chose not to retain any player from the Emerging category.
The announcement highlights the team’s strategy to maintain a balanced combination of experienced stars and reliable performers before the auction. By securing these players early, the Lahore Qalandars aim to build a strong foundation for PSL 11.
Other franchises have also started confirming their retentions. Karachi Kings kept Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Khushdil Shah, and Saad Baig, while Quetta Gladiators retained Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hassan Nawaz, and Shamyl Hussain. Reports suggest Peshawar Zalmi have also secured Babar Azam and a few other key players.
With teams locking in their main squads, excitement is building for the auction and the new season. PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26 and will continue until May 3, promising another competitive tournament for cricket fans.
Also Read: Lahore Qalandars Become the First Team to Extend Their PSL Franchise Contract
