Aaqib Javed talks candidly about the Lahore Qalandars’ difficulties in PSL 9.

In PSL 9, the reigning champion Lahore Qalandars lost six games in a row and were eliminated from the playoff race.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Javed said that the team’s poor performance was mostly due to player injuries and availability concerns.

The former pacer remarked, “We tried to create a balanced team, but David Wiese’s injury, Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s absence, and other players’ absence caused problems for the team.”

“Rashid Khan has consistently been our team’s best option, but he was unable to play this season.”

Aaqib Javed also discussed how Lahore Qalandars will play the Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators in their upcoming games.

“There were close losses in a few of our games. But now, winning the remaining games is a question of honor for our squad,” he said.

He conveyed optimism that his team’s performance against the fierce foe Karachi Kings will improve.

“They do not have a psychological advantage over us, even though we haven’t been able to defeat Karachi Kings in the last few games,” Aaqib Javed stated.

“We can make a comeback if we play positive cricket,” he continued.

He also commended Shaheen Afridi, the captain of the Lahore Qalandars, for reaching 100 wickets in the PSL against Islamabad United.

“In the PSL, Shaheen [Afridi] has achieved the 100-wicket mark. We consider it an honor for our team.