Shaheen Afridi Vows Playoff Revenge as Lahore Qalandars Face Karachi Kings in Eliminator 1

 May 21, 2025 | Lahore, Pakistan
 
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is gearing up for a high-stakes rematch against Karachi Kings in Eliminator 1 of the HBL PSL 10 playoffs, set for tomorrow, May 22, at Gaddafi Stadium. After a four-wicket loss to Karachi Kings earlier this season on May 5, Shaheen had a clear message: “We will see them in the playoffs.” Now, with the Qalandars having qualified for the playoffs after defeating Peshawar Zalmi in their last league match, that promise comes to fruition.

The Context of the Rivalry

The earlier defeat to Karachi Kings was a bitter pill for Lahore Qalandars, who were defending 160/8 but couldn’t hold off a late surge led by Irfan Khan’s unbeaten 48 off 21 balls. The loss dropped the Qalandars to fourth on the points table with nine points from nine games, exposing weaknesses in their bowling and middle-order batting. David Warner, Karachi Kings’ captain, even criticized Shaheen’s decision to play three spinners on a flat Lahore pitch, a tactical choice that backfired.

Despite the setback, Shaheen remained defiant, focusing on a playoff showdown. His words have now set the stage for a blockbuster Eliminator 1 clash, where the Qalandars aim to settle the score and keep their title defense alive.
 

A Boost with Mehidy Hasan Miraz

Adding firepower to their campaign, Lahore Qalandars welcomed Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz today, May 21. Miraz, replacing Sikandar Raza, brings versatility with his off-spin bowling and lower-order batting. His experience—a Test fifer before age 19 and a century in 2021—could address the team’s earlier struggles, particularly in the spin department, and provide stability in the middle order.
 

The Stakes in Eliminator 1

Fresh off their playoff-clinching win against Peshawar Zalmi, the Qalandars are now in a do-or-die scenario. A victory over Karachi Kings tomorrow will propel them into Eliminator 2, while a loss will end their season. With home support at Gaddafi Stadium and a bolstered squad, Shaheen and his team are poised to make good on his promise. Key players like Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Miraz will be crucial in overcoming a Kings side that has already proven they can exploit Lahore’s weaknesses.
 

As the clock ticks down to tomorrow’s match, Shaheen’s words echo the Qalandars’ resolve: this isn’t just a game—it’s a chance for redemption.

Also Read: From PDP to PSL: The Story of Salman Ali Mirza & Ahmed Daniyal