Top-order batter Abdullah Shafique has received a call-up for Pakistan’s red-ball tours against the West Indies and England. Shafique, who could play his first Test game since October 2025, will replace Abdullah Fazal, who was ruled out of both tours after sustaining a lower back injury. However, with Shafique gone, Lahore Qalandars, currently playing in the Global Super League (GSL), will end up a batter short.
Bangladesh’s Shamim Hossain lined up as replacement
To fill in for the Caribbean-bound Abdullah, Qalandars have reportedly signed Bangladesh’s Shamim Hossain for the competition, though the official announcement is awaited. Shamim, who has batted in 43 games for Bangladesh, comes in as a middle-order batter and can be relied upon for quick runs late in the innings. He boasts decent experience in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he has played 61 games and has a strike rate north of 140.
Qalandars eye place in the final
Lahore Qalandars have won both of their games in the GSL so far, defeating Desert Vipers and Perth Scorchers XI. At the time of writing, they are facing Guyana Amazon Warriors, and a win here could cement their spot in the final.
Lahore Qalandars squad for GSL 2026
Michael Bracewell (c), Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Naeem, Parvez Hossain Emon, Usama Mir, Shamyl Hussain, Shayan Jahangir, Farhan Yousaf, Shahab Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, Ali Shabbir, Imran Randhawa, Delano Potgieter and Muhammad Basit.
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https://www.ipl.com/cricket/news/list-of-all-pakistan-players-in-the-2026-caribbean-premier-league/