Star Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to action in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after being signed by Lahore Qalandars for the remainder of the tournament, a source has confirmed.
The PSL was suspended midway through the season following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. However, with a ceasefire agreement now in place, the competition is scheduled to resume on 17 May. The restart has prompted a reshuffle of team squads, as several overseas players remain unavailable due to international commitments or ongoing security concerns. A supplementary draft is expected to be held to plug the gaps.
Lahore Qalandars, who currently sit fourth on the points table with 9 points from 9 matches, will face Peshawar Zalmi on 18 May at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The fixture is expected to be crucial in determining Lahore’s play-off hopes, with Peshawar just a point behind in the standings.
Shakib’s inclusion is contingent upon receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). If approved, it would mark the veteran’s return to competitive cricket after nearly six months. His last appearance came in September last year during a match against India.
Shakib made his PSL debut in 2016 with Karachi Kings, impressing immediately with a 51-run knock off 35 balls and a wicket that earned him the Player of the Match award. Over the years, he has also turned out for Peshawar Zalmi and again for Karachi Kings. However, injuries and national team duties have limited his PSL appearances.
To date, Shakib has featured in 14 PSL matches, scoring 181 runs at an average of 16.36 and a strike rate of 107.14. With the ball, he has claimed 8 wickets at a tidy economy rate of 7.39.
However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has yet to grant him the No Objection Certificate (NOC) required for participation. A BCB official said that while Shakib has not yet submitted a formal request, the board’s permission is essential before any official announcement from Lahore Qalandars. If he receives the green light, Shakib’s experience and all-round capabilities could prove invaluable to Lahore as they push for a spot in the play-offs.