Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has arrived in Pakistan to take part in the resumed phase of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). On Saturday, May 17, Lahore Qalandars confirmed his arrival in Islamabad and shared a photo of Shakib joining the team on their official Facebook page.
Shakib has been brought in as a replacement for New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. He was accompanied on the same flight to Pakistan by Sri Lankan cricketers Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, as well as Australian opener David Warner.
Lahore Qalandars are set to face Peshawar Zalmi tomorrow night in their final group-stage match, and the 38-year-old Shakib could be included in the playing XI. Currently placed fourth on the points table with 9 points from 9 matches, Lahore still has a chance to qualify for the playoffs, allowing Shakib to play in additional matches if they advance.
Shakib made his PSL debut in 2016 for Karachi Kings. He later played for Peshawar Zalmi in 2017 and again in 2023. So far in the tournament’s history, he has appeared in 14 PSL matches, scoring 181 runs and taking 8 wickets.
This PSL marks Shakib’s return to competitive cricket after a long break. He last played on November 30 in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers. The Pakistan Super League now serves as the stage for his much-anticipated comeback to professional cricket.
