Former Australian opening batter David Warner questioned the selection committee after no Karachi Kings players were included in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 Team of the Tournament. The squad features standout performers from six franchises and is led by top-scorer Babar Azam as captain.
PSL 2026 concluded after 44 matches played across two venues in Lahore and Karachi. Peshawar Zalmi finished at the top of the table with 17 points. They won the title by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen in the summit clash. Karachi Kings missed the playoffs, ending sixth with 10 points and a negative net run rate.
David Warner Reacts To PSL 2026 Team Of The Tournament
Reacting on the official PSL Instagram page, David Warner questioned the five-member commentary panel over the complete exclusion of Karachi Kings players. The Australian veteran posted his reaction in the comments section under the official Team of the Tournament announcement.
"Where is Karachi players," David Warner commented.
David Warner was the standout opener for Karachi Kings this season, scoring 256 runs in seven innings at an average of 51.20 and a strike rate of 147.98. Azam Khan added 236 runs, while Hasan Ali led the bowling attack with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 6.33.
David Warner's comment on the PSL 2026 Team of the Tournament. pic.twitter.com/hM4poejiiy
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) May 5, 2026
Babar Azam Finishes As Highest Run-Scorer In PSL 2026
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced the Team of the Tournament, appointing Babar Azam as captain after his title-winning campaign. The board stated that the selection recognized the top performers from a highly competitive season.
Babar Azam finished as the highest run-scorer with 588 runs, winning the Hanif Mohammad Cap. He equalled Fakhar Zaman’s 2022 record for most runs in a single season, scoring two centuries against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United. Fakhar Zaman finished third with 401 runs for Lahore Qalandars.
The PSL further clarified that the final eleven-member squad included three players each from Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen. The selection panel also picked two players each from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, along with one each from Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
Islamabad United Captain Shadab Khan Named Best All-Rounder
Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis earned his spot after scoring 550 runs and completing eight dismissals behind the stumps. His teammate Sufyan Moqim took 22 wickets and won both the Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler awards.
Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan was named Best All-Rounder after contributing 173 runs and taking 17 wickets. Hyderabad Kingsmen batter Usman Khan finished fourth on the run-scoring charts with 389 runs.
Shaheen Afridi secured his place with 16 wickets for Lahore Qalandars at an economy rate of 7.86. Multan Sultans batter Shan Masood was selected after scoring 367 runs at an average of 45.87. Quetta Gladiators batter Hasan Nawaz was named the 12th man after scoring 291 runs in the tournament.
PSL 11 Team of the Tournament: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Kusal Mendis (wk), Shan Masood, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Hassan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hunain Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Richard Gleeson, and Hasan Nawaz (12th player)
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