Aaqib Javed confident Lahore Qalandars can still make comeback in PSL 9

LAHORE: Aaqib Javed, head coach of Lahore Qalandars, has expressed his confidence in his team's ability to stage a comeback in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

The defending champions have lost five straight games and have a bleak chance of finishing in the final four.

"We can still turn the impossible into possible; if we have lost five matches, we can win the next five," Aaqib told media in Lahore.

Highlighting the close nature of their recent matches, Aaqib downplayed the significance of narrow defeats, stating, "We are not losing by a margin of fifty-sixty runs; it's just a matter of one ball or one over."

Aaqib commented on the trend of high-scoring matches on batting-friendly pitches, noting that both teams are amassing runs in the matches. "The current conditions offer an equal playing field for all teams, there is no advantage to any team if they bat first or second."

Meanwhile, he also shed light on the absence of Haris Rauf, who will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.

"Bowlers like Haris Rauf are scarce; they are the backbone of Lahore Qalandars and Pakistan's bowling," Aaqib added while expressing confidence in Rauf's return, anticipating a strong performance.

The coach acknowledged the challenges posed by the absence of key players, recognising the increased burden on other team members.

"We have a history of doing impossible things so we can fight back this time too," he added.

Explaining recent tactical decisions, Aaqib mentioned altering the batting order to create a right-left combination. "The strategies can sometimes work or go against. The team knows what to do now and is confident to make a comeback."

Regarding star player Rashid Khan, Javed acknowledged the scrutiny he faces, stating, "Rashid Khan has no alternative; we are missing him so is every team."

It must be noted that Lahore Qalandars will play their last game at home tomorrow against Multan Sultans.

Lahore Qalandars schedule for remaining matches

February 27, 2024 Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore

March 2, 2024 Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium;

March 6, 2024 Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium

March 9, 2024 Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium

March 10, 2024 Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium

Lahore Qalandars Squad

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador), David Wiese (both Diamond), Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan (all Gold), Mirza Baig, Rashid Khan (both Silver, injured), Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Imran, Ahsan Bhatti, Dan Lawrence (partially unavailable), Jahandad Khan, Syed Faridoun, Shai Hope, Kamran Ghulam, Rassie van der Dussen, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Tayyab Abbas