PCB announces the Best XI of PSL 2020; Shadab Khan to lead

The 2020 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ended with Karachi Kings defeating Lahore Qalandars in the final on November 17 and lifting their maiden PSL Trophy. After the conclusion of the marquee event, a four-member independent jury announced the Best Playing XI of PSL 2020. The independent jury boasts of having veterans including respected commentators Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja and Urooj Mumtaz, and Nadeem Khan, who is a member of the PSL 2020 Technical Committee and PCB Director – High Performance.

The jury picked a 12-member squad including four overseas players. The criteria of selection of the players was their consistency, impact, contribution towards their team’s victory, and fitness. Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan was named as the skipper of the Best Playing XI.

Notably, Islamabad had finished last at the points tally with just 3 wins in 10 fixtures. The squad comprises six players from Lahore Qalandars, three from Karachi Kings, one each from Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators.

Speaking about the selection of players in the squad, one of the jury members Ramiz Raja said as quoted by pcb.com.pk, “Selecting 12 top performers from a rich list of outstanding performers was a challenge for the entire panel. We have picked a performance-based and balanced side that can compete against any HBL PSL 2020 franchise cricket side in any conditions.”

“Overall, the credit for the overwhelming success of HBL PSL 2020 in Pakistan goes to all participants who galvanised and entertained the nation with some attractive, aggressive and competitive cricket. Through the HBL PSL as well as the National T20 Cup and the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the selectors, as well as cricket fans and followers, have been able to spot and identify a number of excellent cricketers, who I am sure we’ll see in international cricket at some stage.” he added.

I feel honoured to lead the team: Shadab Khan

On being selected as the skipper of the best team of PSL 2020, Shadab Khan reckoned that he feels honoured to lead the team that boasts of having some fine performers. However, the skipper was also disappointed that he couldn’t take his franchise Islamabad to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Shadab is confident that they will come back stronger next year to win the title.

“I feel honoured to have been appointed captain of Team of the HBL PSL 2020, which includes some fine performers from one of the most successful events. However, it hurts that we were unable to make it to the playoffs. We gave our best shot, which was clearly not enough, and means we have to come harder and stronger when the sixth edition is played next year.” Shadab stated.

The squad in the batting order is:

Babar Azam (Karachi Kings)

Chris Lynn (Lahore Qalandars)

Alex Hales (Karachi Kings)

Haider Ali (Peshawar Zalmi)

Mohammad Hafeez (Lahore Qalandars)

Shadab Khan (captain, Islamabad United)

Ben Dunk (wicketkeeper, Lahore Qalandars)

David Wiese (Lahore Qalandars)

Mohammad Amir (Karachi Kings)

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars)

Mohammad Hasnain (Quetta Gladiators)

Fakhar Zaman (12th, Lahore Qalandars)