"Recovery Period 4-6 Weeks" – Ali Shabbir Ruled Out as Lahore Qalandars Suffer Injury Blow Ahead of PSL 11

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars will be without emerging fast bowler Ali Shabbir for PSL 11 after the youngster was ruled out with a right-hand fracture sustained during the National T20 Cup 2026. The franchise confirmed the development on Thursday, adding that the pacer has been advised a recovery period of four to six weeks.

Shabbir, who was picked in the Under-23 category, had been part of the team’s preparations at the high-performance setup in Islamabad before the injury ruled him out of contention. Medical assessments conducted after the incident confirmed that he would not be fit in time for the tournament.

Replacement Decision Pending

The franchise has yet to name a replacement for the injured pacer. Team management is expected to finalise a substitute in accordance with league regulations, although no official announcement has been made so far.

Shabbir is regarded as one of the notable graduates of the Qalandars’ development pathway and had progressed through the programme in recent years. His absence leaves a gap in the squad’s pace options ahead of the new season.

PSL 11 Schedule and Format

The upcoming PSL 11 season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, featuring an expanded structure with eight teams and 44 matches. Two new sides, Pindiz and Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen, will join the competition alongside the existing franchises.

Each team will play 10 group-stage matches, with the top four progressing to the playoffs. The final is set to be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars will open their campaign at home against Hyderabad Houston Kingsmen on March 26. Matches will be staged across multiple venues, including Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Peshawar.