Shakib touches down in Pakistan to boost Qalandars' PSL hopes

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has reached Islamabad today to join Lahore Qalandars ahead of their must-win encounter against Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024.

The Qalandars announced his arrival with a Facebook post that read: "Wait is over! Shakib Al Hasan has touched down in Pakistan."

Shakib, who landed in the early hours of May 17, is set to return to competitive cricket after nearly six months. His last appearance came on November 30, 2023, in the Abu Dhabi T10 League for the Bangla Tigers.

The 37-year-old is expected to feature in the crucial clash against Zalmi on May 18 in Rawalpindi. With Lahore needing a win to qualify for the playoffs, the game effectively serves as a quarterfinal for them. A defeat would see the defending champions crash out of the tournament.

Alongside Shakib, Sri Lanka's Kusal Perera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have also joined the Qalandars, significantly strengthening the squad for the business end of the tournament.

Shakib was initially roped in as a replacement for injured New Zealander Daryl Mitchell, but is currently expected to play only the final league-stage match. Should Lahore progress, his availability for the playoffs will be assessed based on fitness and team requirements.

The left-hander received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which was a formality following confirmation of his signing by the franchise. 

The PSL resumes today (May 17) after a brief postponement due to regional tensions, with the remaining matches scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The final is set for May 25.