Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz is set to join the Lahore Qalandars for the playoff stages of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, having received a no-objection certificate from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He is expected to arrive in Lahore by Tuesday, just in time for the Qalandars’ Eliminator match on Thursday, though their opponents remain undecided.
Expressing his enthusiasm to ESPNcricinfo, Mehidy shared, “Of course it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars. It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league. Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best.”
Mehidy is aiming to use this stint as a springboard to reclaim his spot in Bangladesh’s T20I squad, from which he is currently absent. “I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead,” he remarked. “Definitely I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format.”
At the Qalandars, Mehidy will join forces with his compatriot Shakib Al Hasan. The PSL, which faced a temporary halt due to regional border tensions, is now back in action. Sikandar Raza has rejoined the Qalandars but will only be available for one game before departing to join Zimbabwe for a Test match against England. Meanwhile, David Wiese and Sam Billings have not returned, prompting calls for Shakib and Bhanuka Rajapaksa to bolster the squad for the crucial stages of the tournament.
Although Shakib recently faced a setback with a first-ball duck and a challenging bowling performance against Peshawar Zalmi, his presence, alongside Mehidy’s proven abilities, is expected to strengthen the Qalandars. Earlier this season, Rishad Hossain played for the Qalandars, while Nahid Rana and Litton Das, who unfortunately sustained an injury, represented the Karachi Kings.
Mehidy’s inclusion is eagerly awaited as the Lahore Qalandars prepare for what could be a decisive phase in their PSL 2025 campaign.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
