Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 Squad Final List and Captain
The Yellow Storm is gathering strength. Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11, the 2017 PSL champions, have assembled a formidable squad for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, aiming to bring the trophy back to the provincial capital after nearly a decade . With a blend of retained local talent, strategic auction purchases, and a significant post-auction signing, Zalmi looks ready to challenge for the title .
Under the continued leadership of the world’s number-one batter, Babar Azam, the Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 squad combines explosive overseas firepower with a deep pool of Pakistani talent. Following the historic first-ever PSL auction on February 10, 2026, at Lahore’s Expo Centre, Zalmi further bolstered their ranks by signing express pacer Shahnawaz Dahani, adding even more firepower to an already impressive attack .
Let’s dive into the final roster for Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 and meet the men ready to unleash the Yellow Storm.
Franchise Background and Recent Performance
Peshawar Zalmi, owned by Javed Afridi, has been one of the most consistent and popular franchises in PSL history. Since winning the title in 2017 under the captaincy of Darren Sammy, Zalmi has qualified for the playoffs in multiple seasons and maintains one of the most loyal fan bases in the country.
For PSL 11, Zalmi made the strategic decision to retain their captain Babar Azam in the Platinum category, while allowing young sensation Saim Ayub to enter the auction pool . This decision demonstrated the franchise’s commitment to building around the world’s best batter while freeing up resources to acquire match-winners across all departments .
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Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 Final Squad
Captain: Babar Azam
Head Coach: Darren Sammy (Expected)
Category Players
Batsmen Babar Azam, James Vince, Mohammad Haris, Mirza Tahir Baig, Abdul Samad
Bowlers Sufiyan Muqeem, Shahnawaz Dahani, Ali Raza, Aamir Jamal, Nahid Rana, Abdul Subhan
All Rounders Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aaron Hardie, Khalid Usman
Wicket Keepers Kusal Mendis, Mohammad Haris (backup)
Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 : Player Summaries
Babar Azam (Captain & Batsman)
The world’s number-one batter across multiple formats continues to lead Peshawar Zalmi, retained in the Platinum category for PKR 7.00 crore . Babar’s elegance, consistency, and ability to anchor innings make him the most valuable asset in the Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 lineup. His captaincy and run-scoring will determine how far Zalmi progresses this season.
Sufiyan Muqeem (Bowler)
The young left-arm wrist spinner was retained in the Diamond category for PKR 4.48 crore . Sufiyan’s mystery spin and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs make him a potent weapon. He has developed rapidly and is now considered one of the most promising spinners in Pakistan cricket.
Shahnawaz Dahani (Bowler)
The express pacer was signed after the auction as a direct signing, bolstering Zalmi’s pace attack . Despite going unsold at the auction with a base price of PKR 1.1 crore, Dahani brings tremendous value with his raw pace and famous celebration . In 27 PSL matches, he has claimed 39 wickets at an impressive average of 20.84 . The franchise welcomed him with open arms, stating he will “electrify the Yellow Storm with his signature celebration” .
James Vince (Batsman)
The elegant English right-hander was purchased at the auction for PKR 3.00 crore . Vince brings class and experience to the top order, complementing Babar Azam perfectly. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay while maintaining aesthetic stroke play makes him a fan favorite.
Michael Bracewell (All Rounder)
The New Zealand all-rounder was secured for PKR 4.20 crore . Bracewell offers off-spin options and aggressive middle-order batting. His versatility makes him valuable in all phases of the game, and his experience in pressure situations will be crucial for Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11.
Kusal Mendis (Wicket Keeper)
The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter was acquired for PKR 4.20 crore . Mendis provides explosive options at the top of the order and reliable glovework behind the stumps. His aggressive style complements Babar’s anchor role perfectly, giving Zalmi a formidable opening partnership.
Mohammad Haris (Wicket Keeper & Batsman)
The dynamic young wicketkeeper-batter was purchased for PKR 2.20 crore . Haris brings energy, aggression, and innovation to the middle order. His ability to play unorthodox shots and accelerate the scoring rate makes him a dangerous weapon in the death overs.
Iftikhar Ahmed (All Rounder)
The powerful middle-order batter and part-time off-spinner was secured for PKR 1.80 crore . Iftikhar’s six-hitting ability against spin makes him invaluable in the middle overs. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure add depth to the Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 batting lineup.
Aaron Hardie (All Rounder)
The Australian all-rounder was a direct signing for the franchise . Hardie brings power-hitting and useful medium pace to the squad. He provides balance to the lineup and can finish innings with his big hitting, making him a valuable asset in T20 cricket.
Aamir Jamal (Bowler)
The young pacer was acquired for PKR 1.90 crore . Aamir Jamal has impressed with his pace and ability to generate bounce. He adds depth to the pace attack and provides a genuine wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Abdul Samad (Batsman)
Retained in the Gold category for PKR 2.80 crore, Abdul Samad is a powerful middle-order batter . His ability to clear the boundaries makes him a valuable finisher. He will be looking to make significant contributions whenever given the opportunity.
Ali Raza (Bowler)
The young pacer was retained in the Emerging category for PKR 1.96 crore . Ali Raza represents the future of Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 and Pakistan cricket. His development will be closely monitored as he learns from senior pros in the dressing room.
Khalid Usman (All Rounder)
The left-arm spinner and lower-order batter was secured for PKR 60 lakh . Khalid provides spin options and can contribute valuable runs down the order. His experience in domestic cricket adds depth to the squad.
Nahid Rana (Bowler)
The young pacer was purchased for PKR 60 lakh . Nahid Rana adds further depth to the pace bowling department. He will be eager to make his mark whenever given the opportunity in Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11.
Mirza Tahir Baig (Batsman)
The young top-order batter was secured for PKR 60 lakh . Mirza Tahir Baig provides backup in the batting department and represents the franchise’s commitment to nurturing young Pakistani talent.
Abdul Subhan (Bowler)
The young pacer was acquired for PKR 62.5 lakh . Abdul Subhan adds to the impressive pace reserves in the Zalmi squad, providing depth and competition for places.
Post-Auction Signing: Shahnawaz Dahani Addition
One of the most significant developments for Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 came after the auction when the franchise signed Shahnawaz Dahani as a direct acquisition . Dahani, who went unsold at the auction despite a base price of PKR 1.1 crore, brings tremendous value to the squad.
The right-arm pacer has an impressive PSL record, having claimed 39 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 20.84 while representing Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans (now rebranded as Rawalpindi) . His career T20 statistics are equally impressive, with 81 wickets in 62 matches, including a five-wicket haul .
Zalmi announced the signing with an animated poster on social media, captioned: “Fresh pace, right-arm variety, and plenty of promise. Shahnawaz Dahani is set to electrify the Yellow Storm with his signature celebration. Welcome to your new home” .
With the addition of Dahani, Peshawar Zalmi’s squad expanded to 16 members, giving captain Babar Azam a wealth of options in the pace bowling department .
Team Strategy and Analysis
The Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 squad has been constructed with a clear philosophy: build around the world’s best batter and surround him with match-winners in every department .
Batting Depth: The top order features the formidable combination of Babar Azam and James Vince, two of the most elegant batters in world cricket. The middle order is packed with power hitters including Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Michael Bracewell, ensuring that Zalmi can accelerate at any stage of the innings.
Pace Bowling Attack: The addition of Shahnawaz Dahani transforms an already impressive pace attack into potentially the most fearsome in the tournament . Alongside Dahani, Zalmi boasts Aamir Jamal, Nahid Rana, Ali Raza, and Abdul Subhan – a young, hungry pace unit capable of bowling at high speeds and taking wickets on any surface.
Spin Options: Sufiyan Muqeem leads the spin department with his mystery left-arm wrist spin . Supported by Michael Bracewell’s off-spin and Khalid Usman’s left-arm orthodox, Zalmi has variety and wicket-taking options in the middle overs.
Team Balance: With overseas stars like James Vince, Michael Bracewell, Kusal Mendis, and Aaron Hardie complementing a strong local core, Zalmi has achieved excellent balance in their squad. The presence of multiple all-rounders gives captain Babar Azam flexibility in team selection based on conditions and opposition.
Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 : Key Players to Watch
Babar Azam: The captain and world-class batter will be expected to lead from the front with substantial runs at the top of the order .
Shahnawaz Dahani: The newly-signed pacer will be eager to prove his worth after going unsold at the auction. His raw pace and infectious energy could be game-changers for Zalmi .
Sufiyan Muqeem: The young spinner has developed rapidly and could be the X-factor in the middle overs with his wicket-taking ability .
Kusal Mendis: The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter provides explosive options at the top and could form a destructive partnership with Babar Azam .
James Vince: The elegant English batter brings experience and class to the top order, complementing Babar’s anchor role perfectly .
Tournament Schedule and Expectations
PSL 11 is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 3, 2026, spanning 39 days of cricketing action across Pakistan . Peshawar Zalmi will play their home matches at the iconic Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar, where they enjoy tremendous support from the passionate Yellow Storm fans.
The 2017 champions will open their campaign against one of their traditional rivals, with the full schedule expected to be announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board in early March. With a balanced squad and experienced leadership, Zalmi enters PSL 11 as genuine contenders for the title.
Conclusion
The Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 squad represents a perfect blend of retained loyalty, strategic auction acquisitions, and a significant post-auction signing. By keeping Babar Azam as their captain and core leader, they have ensured continuity in leadership and performance at the highest level .
The addition of Shahnawaz Dahani after the auction demonstrates the franchise’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a second PSL title . With a pace attack featuring Dahani, Aamir Jamal, and emerging talents, combined with the batting prowess of Babar, Vince, and Mendis, Zalmi has all the ingredients for a deep run in the tournament.
As they aim to recapture the glory of 2017, the Yellow Storm enters PSL 11 with confidence, balance, and a squad capable of beating any opposition on their day. The journey begins on March 26, and the Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 squad is ready to unleash the storm.
Analysis by Best Pak Mag
Peshawar Zalmi have assembled one of the most balanced squads for PSL 11, combining world-class batting with genuine pace firepower. The retention of Babar Azam as captain was the obvious and correct decision – he remains the best batter in the world and provides stability at the top of the order .
What makes this Peshawar Zalmi PSL 11 squad particularly dangerous is the post-auction signing of Shahnawaz Dahani. After going unsold at the auction, Dahani joins with a point to prove, and his PSL record of 39 wickets at 20.84 speaks for itself . Alongside Aamir Jamal and the young pace reserves, Zalmi now possesses a pace attack capable of demolishing any batting lineup.
The overseas contingent is exceptionally well-chosen. James Vince provides elegance and experience at the top, Kusal Mendis adds explosive wicketkeeping options, and Michael Bracewell offers all-round depth. Aaron Hardie’s power-hitting adds another dimension to the lower middle order.
If Sufiyan Muqeem continues his development and delivers in the middle overs, and if the top order of Babar and Vince consistently provides strong foundations, Peshawar Zalmi have every chance of going all the way in PSL 11. The Yellow Storm is real, and it’s heading toward the title.
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