The Fall of the Lahore Qalandars: Where Did it All Go Wrong?

Examining the Qalandars' Sudden Decline

Opinion - Muhammad Waqas

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a thrilling showcase of cricket talent, with teams like the Lahore Qalandars etching their names into the history books. However, the ninth edition of the tournament saw a dramatic downfall for the Qalandars, who, after securing back-to-back titles, could only manage a single victory, finishing with a mere three points. This article delves into the multiple reasons behind this unexpected fall.

The Strategy That Once Worked Wonders

In the previous couple of seasons, the Qalandars' strategy was centered around a solid batting lineup that prioritized technique over raw power. Players such as Mirza Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Shai Hope and Sikandar Raza were instrumental in providing the stability that anchored the team's innings. Their ability to construct partnerships and post competitive totals laid the foundation for their success.

On the bowling front, the Qalandars boasted a scary attack led by the likes of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and the spin genius Rashid Khan. This trio, along with supporting cast members like Zaman Khan and David Wiese, was not only capable of taking wickets but also of restricting opposing teams to below-par scores. 

The Fielding Failure: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

One of the most prominent issues that troubled the Qalandars throughout PSL 9 was their fielding. Crucial catches were dropped, and misfields led to a significant leakage of runs.

The dropped catch of Shadab Khan by Sahibzada Farhan in the opening match against Islamabad United is a prime example. Shadab went on to score an unbeaten 74 off 41 balls, leading his team to victory. Similarly, Shaheen Afridi's failure to hold onto Mohammad Rizwan's catch at 40 (who then scored 82), and the two missed chances to dismiss Jason Roy, are moments that could have altered the outcomes of their respective games.

Bowling Woes: The Struggle to Find Form and Balance

The absence of Rashid Khan due to injury was a significant blow to the Qalandars' bowling lineup. Rashid's ability to take wickets and maintain a tight economy rate was sorely missed. Lahore Qalandars' struggles to take wickets in the middle overs highlighted the immense impact of Rashid Khan's absence. In the previous two seasons, Rashid claimed 31 wickets in 19 matches with exceptional economy rates of 5.46 and 6.53 in PSL 7 and 8, respectively. The team's attempts to fill the void with players like Salman Fayyaz and George Linde were unsuccessful.

Moreover, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who were already struggling with form leading up to the tournament, failed to find their rhythm. Shaheen's inability to take wickets in the powerplay were concerning, while Haris's injury, just as he seemed to be finding form, was another setback for the team.

The Impact of Injuries: A Team in Crisis

Injuries to key players like David Wiese and Haris Rauf further increased the Qalandars' problems. Wiese's absence after the first two matches and Haris' injury ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament left the team with a depleted bowling attack. The loss of these key players not only reduced the team's resources but also affected the morale and balance of the side.

Questionable Tactics: Underutilizing Resources

The Lahore Qalandars' handling of Sikandar Raza in PSL 9 was surprising. Raza, a proven all-rounder in top form, saw his bowling skills underutilized throughout the tournament. This questionable decision arguably hindered the Qalandars' performance. Raza's ability to bowl tight spells and take wickets would have provided much-needed balance, especially in the middle overs where they frequently lost control.

As the Qalandars look to regroup and bounce back in the future, they will need to address these issues and rebuild their strategy. With the right adjustments and a bit of luck with injuries, the Qalandars can once again be a formidable force in the PSL.