Abrar Ahmed Confident of Quetta Gladiators' Comeback After PSL 11 Struggles Quetta Gladiators spinner Abrar Ahmed has voiced his belief in his team’s ability to bounce back from a challenging start in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. Speaking during an interview on a private channel, the 27-year-old emphasized the importance of moving past recent setbacks and refocusing on the path to success. Despite securing only one victory in three matches during the Lahore leg of the tournament, Ahmed remained optimistic about the team’s prospects. “We have left the previous stage behind because it wasn’t good for us. Now we want to begin again from here,” Ahmed said, reflecting on the team’s performance. He acknowledged that while the Gladiators had shown promise in some games, inconsistencies in the middle order had cost them crucial points. Specifically, he highlighted matches against Islamabad and Karachi Kings, where his side had controlled the game but failed to capitalize on opportunities. “In a couple of games, we had control but couldn’t finish,” he added, underscoring the need for improved execution in critical moments. Ahmed, who has been a key figure in Quetta Gladiators’ bowling attack, emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong economy rate and consistent performance over chasing individual statistics. “My personal goal is simple — to win the trophy for Quetta Gladiators,” he stated, framing his role as pivotal to the team’s success. He explained that while wickets are important, the focus should be on how the bowling strategy contributes to the team’s overall objective. “Maintaining a good economy rate and bowling consistently matter more than topping the wicket charts if it helps the team reach the final,” he said.#pakistan_super_league #abrar_ahmed #quetta_gladiators #rawalpindiz #islamabad_kings
Quetta Gladiators Target Strong Comeback After Early PSL 11 Struggles Quetta Gladiators spinner Abrar Ahmed has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to reset and rebound in the Karachi leg of the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) following a challenging start to the tournament in Lahore. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ahmed emphasized that the team has moved past its earlier struggles and is fully committed to restarting its campaign with renewed focus. “We have left the previous stage behind because it wasn’t good for us. Now we want to begin again from here,” Ahmed said, highlighting the team’s determination to turn things around. His comments came as the Gladiators faced criticism for their inconsistent performances in the early stages of the tournament, which saw them lose several matches despite holding strong positions in key games. Ahmed acknowledged that the team’s struggles in Lahore were partly due to errors in the middle order, which cost them crucial matches against teams like Islamabad United and Karachi Kings. “We were winning some matches but lost them due to mistakes in the middle order. In a couple of games, including against Islamabad and Karachi Kings, we had control but couldn’t finish,” he admitted. This admission underscores the need for improved execution in critical moments to secure victories. The spinner also stressed that the team’s primary objective is collective success rather than individual accolades. “My personal goal is simple, to win the trophy for Quetta Gladiators,” Ahmed said. He added that maintaining a good economy rate and bowling consistently is more important than leading the wicket charts, as long as it helps the team reach the final. This mindset reflects a strategic shift toward prioritizing team dynamics over personal statistics.#pakistan_super_league #abrar_ahmed #quetta_gladiators #karachi_kings #islamabad_united
Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindiz: PSL 2026 Match 18 Preview and Details Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz are set to face off in Match 18 of the Pakistan Super League 2026 on Friday, April 10, at the National Stadium in Karachi. The encounter, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, marks a crucial moment in the tournament as both teams aim to reverse their recent struggles. The match will be broadcast and streamed globally, though Indian audiences will not have access to traditional TV or digital platforms due to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s media rights deal. Quetta Gladiators, led by captain Saud Shakeel, have managed just one win in their first four matches. Their sole victory came against the Hyderabad Kingsmen, and they are determined to avoid a third consecutive loss. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, with key players like Rilee Rossouw and Bevon Jacobs needing to step up. Meanwhile, Rawalpindiz, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, have yet to secure a win this season, suffering four straight defeats. The team’s inability to convert opportunities into results has left them in a precarious position, with only six matches remaining in the tournament. The National Stadium in Karachi has proven to be a challenging venue for batting this season. The pitch has favored bowlers, with an average first-innings score of around 123. Teams opting to bowl first may have an advantage, as the conditions suggest a low-scoring game. For the chasing side, patience and strategic planning will be essential to avoid early collapses. The match is expected to be a test of resilience for both teams, particularly given their recent form.#saud_shakeel #pakistan_super_league #quetta_gladiators #rawalpindiz #national_stadium_karachi
Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindiz Toss Update, PSL 2026: RWP Opt To Bowl First Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz will face off in match No. 18 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 at the National Stadium in Karachi on April 10. The Rawalpindiz captain, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision comes as both teams enter the contest after suffering recent defeats. Quetta Gladiators, led by Saud Shakeel, have managed only one win in their first four matches, while Rawalpindiz remain winless in the tournament, having lost four consecutive games. The match will be a critical test for both sides, with Quetta Gladiators aiming to avoid a hat-trick of losses against a struggling Rawalpindiz team. The playing XI for Quetta Gladiators includes Sam Harper, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel (captain), Rilee Rossouw, Hasan Nawaz, Bevon Jacobs, Jahandad Khan, Khalil Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, and Usman Tariq. Rawalpindiz’ squad features Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Abdullah Fazal, Saad Masood, Mubasir Khan, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears, and Mohammad Amir. Saud Shakeel, reflecting on the team’s performance, emphasized the need to address issues in the middle overs, where the team has struggled to maintain momentum. He noted that the team will assess conditions based on the batting powerplay and set a target of 170 runs. Shakeel also mentioned that four changes to the playing XI were made to improve their chances. Mohammad Rizwan, on the other hand, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to apply the finishing touches required to secure victories.#saud_shakeel #mohammad_rizwan #pakistan_super_league #quetta_gladiators #rawalpindiz
Quetta Gladiators vs Rawalpindiz Live Score: Quetta Gladiators at 29/1 after 4 overs The Pakistan Super League 2026 Match 18 between Quetta Gladiators and Rawalpindiz unfolded at the National Stadium in Karachi on April 10, 2026, with the Quetta Gladiators taking an early lead in the innings. The match began with Rawalpindiz winning the toss and opting to field, a decision that set the stage for a competitive encounter. In the first over, Quetta Gladiators’ Sam Harper and Saud Shakeel faced the Rawalpindiz bowlers, managing to score 4 runs without losing a wicket. By the end of the third over, the Gladiators had built a modest score of 22/0, with Harper scoring 8 runs off 6 balls and Shakeel adding 14 runs in 12 deliveries. The momentum continued into the fourth over, where Shakeel extended his innings to 15 runs off 13 balls, while Rossouw contributed 6 runs in 4 deliveries. By the end of the fourth over, Quetta Gladiators were at 29/1, with Shakeel and Rossouw at the crease. The Rawalpindiz bowling attack, led by Mohammad Amir and Ben Sears, struggled to contain the Gladiators’ aggressive batting. Amir, who had earlier taken 0/10 in the first over, faced criticism for his lack of control, while Sears managed to take 1/15 in the second over. The Gladiators’ opening pair of Harper and Shakeel appeared to be in excellent form, with their partnership contributing significantly to the team’s early dominance. The playing XI for both teams was revealed prior to the match. Rawalpindiz’s lineup included Mohammad Rizwan as captain and wicketkeeper, Usman Khawaja, Yasir Khan, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Saad Masood, Abdullah Fazal, Mubasir Khan, Mohammad Amir, Asif Afridi, and Ben Sears.#pakistan_super_league #quetta_gladiators #rawalpindiz #national_stadium_karachi #sam_harper
Steve Smith hails Sahibzada Farhan as key to Multan Sultans’ strong start in PSL 11 Multan Sultans batter Steve Smith has expressed admiration for opening partner Sahibzada Farhan, crediting his consistent performances and rising influence at the top of the order as pivotal to the team’s dominant position in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. Farhan, who has emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament so far, currently sits second on the run-scoring leaderboard with 164 runs in four matches, averaging an impressive 154.66. His partnership with Smith has been instrumental in the Sultans’ ascent to the top of the points table, providing a reliable foundation for their victories. The duo’s synergy has been evident throughout the campaign, with their opening stands setting the tone for successful chases. A notable example came during a high-scoring chase against Hyderabad Kingsmen, where the pair forged a 104-run partnership to propel the Sultans to victory. Their partnership continued to shine in a recent match against Quetta Gladiators, where they added 71 runs in a crucial innings, laying the groundwork for a decisive win. Smith emphasized the growing chemistry between the two, stating that their starts have been “good” and that Farhan’s quality has become increasingly apparent. Reflecting on their partnership after the Quetta Gladiators victory, Smith highlighted the trust and understanding they’ve developed at the top of the order. During a post-match interview with teammate Peter Siddle, he remarked, “My combination with Farhan has become quite strong. Our starts have been good. Farhan is a quality player.” This sentiment underscores the importance of their collaboration in shaping the Sultans’ early success.#pakistan_super_league #steve_smith #sahibzada_farhan #multan_sultans #quetta_gladiators
Quetta Gladiators to Bat First in PSL 2026 Clash Against Islamabad United Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United are set to face off in Match 9 of the Pakistan Super League 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 2. The match marks a crucial encounter for both teams as they aim to secure early momentum in the tournament. Quetta Gladiators, who have started the season with a mix of success and setbacks, will take the field first after winning the toss. Islamabad United, still searching for their first victory of the season following a loss and a washed-out game, will be eager to bounce back. The conditions in Lahore are expected to favor batters, with previous matches in the tournament producing high scores. However, disciplined bowling could still play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. Quetta Gladiators appear more settled with in-form players and a balanced lineup, while Islamabad United will rely on their experienced core to turn things around. The match is anticipated to be a high-intensity contest, with both teams vying for a significant position in the early points table. Quetta Gladiators have secured a mixed start to the season, with one win and one loss, while Islamabad United remain winless. The Gladiators’ decision to bat first is likely to be strategic, given the batting-friendly conditions. Islamabad United, on the other hand, will need to address their lack of consistency to avoid further setbacks. The match will also serve as a test for both teams’ ability to adapt to the challenges of the tournament. The playing XI for Quetta Gladiators includes Saud Shakeel as captain, Shamyl Hussain, Bevon Jacobs, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay, Ben McDermott (wicketkeeper), Tom Curran, Ahmed Daniyal, Alzarri Joseph, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.#gaddafi_stadium #lahore #quetta_gladiators #psl_2026 #islamabad_united
Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators Live Score: Quetta Gladiators at 90/3 after 11 Overs The Pakistan Super League 2026 continued with its ninth match on April 2, 2026, as Quetta Gladiators faced Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match, which began at 3:00 PM IST, saw Quetta Gladiators take the initiative by winning the toss and choosing to bat first. The Gladiators’ innings unfolded with a mix of aggressive batting and early setbacks, as the team progressed to 90/3 after 11 overs. Quetta Gladiators’ opening pair, Saud Shakeel and Shamyl Hussain, laid a solid foundation in the early stages. Shakeel, who scored 42 runs off 25 balls, and Hussain, who contributed 21 runs off 15 balls, set the tone for the innings. However, the Gladiators’ momentum was disrupted by a series of wickets. In the 4.6 overs, Hussain was dismissed for 21 runs, caught by Haider Ali off the bowling of Salman Irshad. This loss of a key batsman led to a brief slowdown in the Gladiators’ scoring rate. The team’s recovery was evident as Khawaja Nafay and Ben McDermott stepped up. Nafay, who scored 22 runs off 14 balls, and McDermott, who managed two runs, provided stability in the middle order. Despite their efforts, the Gladiators faced another setback when Hasan Nawaz was dismissed for a duck in the 10.2 overs. This wicket, bowled by Imad Wasim, brought the score to 87/3. The Gladiators’ innings continued to show resilience, with the team managing to reach 90/3 after 11 overs. The batting lineup included several key players, with Shakeel remaining unbeaten on 42 and Nafay contributing 22. The bowling attack, led by Imad Wasim and Salman Irshad, managed to take two wickets, though the Gladiators’ ability to rebuild their total highlighted their batting depth.#gaddafi_stadium #quetta_gladiators #pakistan_super_league_2026 #islamabad_united #salman_irshad
Shamyl Hussain addresses critics after slow start to international career Pakistan’s young opener Shamyl Hussain has defended his approach to cricket amid criticism of his recent performances, stressing the importance of self-evaluation over external opinions. The 21-year-old spoke during a post-match press conference following the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 clash between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators. He acknowledged the scrutiny he has faced but emphasized his focus on personal growth rather than public feedback. Hussain, who made his international debut earlier this month in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, described the transition to professional cricket as challenging. He noted that while his domestic performances had not drawn criticism, recent results in international matches have led to increased scrutiny. “As a cricketer, we are always trying to improve. No one has a perfect technique, especially at the start, so you learn gradually,” he said. “When I performed well in domestic cricket, no one questioned my batting. Now, if it doesn’t work in a couple of innings, it is suddenly seen as bad.” The left-handed batsman highlighted the need for mental resilience and self-assessment in navigating the pressures of a professional career. “Public opinion keeps changing. My job is to assess myself and understand what is working. If I feel something won’t work in the future, I will change it. If something is going well, I will continue with it,” he explained. He also reiterated his commitment to maintaining focus on his own development rather than external criticism. “ As a professional, I cannot change my batting based on people’s opinions. I did not reach here because of them, and I will not be dropped because of them.#pakistan_super_league #one_day_international #quetta_gladiators #karachi_kings #shamyl_hussain
Shamyl Hussain, the 21-year-old Quetta Gladiators opener, made a stunning impact on his Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut by scoring a 21-ball half-century in a high-scoring match against Karachi Kings. The second game of PSL 2026 took place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Quetta captain Saud Shakeel opted to bat first, setting a target of 181-7. The innings was anchored by Moeen Ali’s unbeaten 48, supported by contributions of 35 and 30 from David Warner and Saad Baig. In the chase, Shakeel and Hussain formed a formidable opening partnership. Hussain, playing his first PSL game, showcased explosive form from the outset. On the second ball he faced, he launched a powerful punch through cover for a boundary, then followed it up with a six four deliveries later. His aggression continued with a four down the ground and a six over midwicket. By the sixth over, Hussain was in full flow, hitting three fours and a six off the same bowler, the latter bringing up his rapid half-century in just 21 balls. His innings ended with a boundary off Salman Agha, leaving him at 55 off 21 deliveries. Hussain’s performance was a standout moment in the match, highlighting his ability to strike under pressure. His half-century came off the bat of Mir Hamza, who had earlier dismissed him in the first over. The young batsman’s aggressive approach and composure under pressure made him a key figure in Quetta’s chase. The 21-year-old has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, having been retained by Quetta Gladiators for 84 lakh rupees for the 2026 PSL season. His domestic credentials include 899 runs in nine Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches and 452 runs in nine President’s One-Day Cup games.#pakistan_super_league #gaddafi_stadium #quetta_gladiators #karachi_kings #shamyl_hussain
Quetta Gladiators vs Hyderabad Kingsmen LIVE Score, PSL 2026: Shamyl Finds Two Sixes, Completes Fifty | QG - 101/2 (12) The Quetta Gladiators and Hyderabad Kingsmen are locked in a high-stakes clash in the Pakistan Super League 2026, with both teams aiming to secure their first points of the season. The match, held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, has seen a mix of aggressive batting and disciplined bowling as the Gladiators look to build momentum. Shamyl Hussain has been the standout performer, showcasing his ability to adapt to the conditions and deliver crucial runs. Shamyl’s innings began with a strong start, as he targeted the left-arm spinner Hassan Khan, launching him over the ropes with two powerful sixes. This moment marked the completion of his half-century, which came after he had initially slowed his approach following the loss of early wickets. His ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking has been vital for the Gladiators, who are navigating a challenging powerplay phase. The Hyderabad Kingsmen bowlers, led by Riley Meredith and Maheesh Theekshana, have maintained a tight grip on the innings, forcing the Gladiators to play cautiously. However, the pressure on the Gladiators intensified when Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a pull shot that took a top edge, caught by Hammad Azam. This loss of wickets has shifted the balance, with the Kingsmen now looking to capitalize on the Gladiators’ vulnerability. Hasan Nawaz has played a key role in stabilizing the Gladiators’ innings, finding the boundary with two sixes off Marnus Labuschagne’s over. His partnership with Shamyl has provided a much-needed boost, allowing the team to recover from the early setbacks.#saud_shakeel #gaddafi_stadium #quetta_gladiators #hyderabad_kingsmen #shamyl_hussain
Karachi Kings secure 14-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in PSL opener Karachi Kings claimed a dominant 14-run win against Quetta Gladiators in their opening match of the Pakistan Super League, with Moeen Ali and Hassan Ali playing pivotal roles in the victory. Batting first, the Kings posted a total of 181-7, with Moeen Ali scoring an unbeaten 48 off just 29 deliveries. His aggressive batting, including four fours and three sixes, helped the 2020 champions recover from a challenging position of 109-5. The Gladiators responded with a strong start, as Shamyl Hussain and captain Saud Shakeel formed a 79-run partnership for the first wicket. Hussain scored 52, while Shakeel contributed 33, giving the visitors hope of a competitive chase. However, the collapse began with Shakeel's dismissal, which triggered a rapid downfall. Moeen Ali capitalized on the opportunity, dismissing Shakeel to reduce the Gladiators to 95-3. Quetta struggled to rebuild, and Hassan Ali emerged as the key bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 27 runs. His performance included the dismissals of Rilee Rossouw (25) and Hasan Nawaz (19), effectively dismantling the Gladiators' batting lineup. The Kings' bowlers maintained pressure throughout, ensuring the visitors could not mount a recovery. The result solidified Karachi Kings' strong start in the PSL, showcasing their ability to adapt and dominate in both batting and bowling departments.#pakistan_super_league #quetta_gladiators #karachi_kings #moeen_ali #hassan_ali
Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators Fantasy Guide and Match Analysis The Pakistan Super League continues to deliver high-stakes T20 cricket as Karachi Kings face Quetta Gladiators at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This match, scheduled for March 27, 2026, is set to be a pivotal encounter for fantasy cricket enthusiasts, with both teams boasting strong rosters and a history of competitive clashes. The game will be broadcast live on Tamasha and PTV Sports, offering fans real-time updates. Lahore’s weather conditions are expected to be favorable, with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius and no rain forecast. However, the presence of dew in the second innings could impact bowling effectiveness, particularly under the lights. The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for its batting-friendly nature, allowing players to score freely. Recent trends show a clear advantage for the chasing team, as the evening dew has made it challenging for bowlers to maintain control. Fast bowlers have dominated the last five games, taking 37 wickets compared to spinners’ 26, while the average score has hovered around 155 runs. Expect a target close to 180 in this match. Karachi Kings enter the game in strong form, having secured four wins in their last five outings. Their head-to-head record against Quetta Gladiators is particularly impressive, with six victories to Quetta’s four. However, Quetta has shown recent momentum, winning their last three matches after a couple of losses. The Gladiators’ balanced bowling attack and superior head-to-head history give them an edge in this T20 showdown. Injury updates indicate that Karachi Kings’ Spencer Johnson is ruled out, while Johnson Charles is doubtful. Quetta’s squad appears largely fit, with key players ready to contribute.#pakistan_super_league #gaddafi_stadium #quetta_gladiators #karachi_kings #tamasha
QUE vs KAR Dream11 Prediction for PSL 2026 Match 2 Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings are set to face off in the second match of the Pakistan Super League 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, March 27. The game is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, with the venue expected to provide favorable conditions for batting teams. The match will be closely watched as both sides aim to build momentum in the tournament. Quetta Gladiators, who narrowly missed out on their second title last season by losing the final to Lahore Qalandars, are looking to complete their unfinished business. The team, led by Saud Shakeel, has added Tom Curran to their squad, which could strengthen their pace attack. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings, who reached the playoffs last year, have bolstered their squad with the inclusion of Adam Zampa and Moeen Ali, bringing international experience to their batting and bowling departments. The head-to-head record between the two teams shows Quetta Gladiators holding an edge, having won 13 of their 20 encounters against Karachi Kings. However, the current season’s dynamics may shift the balance. The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for its flat surface and consistent bounce, which favors aggressive batting. While the new ball will offer some assistance to pacers, the presence of dew in the evening could complicate bowling strategies. The weather is expected to be cloudy with temperatures around 26°C and humidity at 63 percent. For Dream11 fantasy cricket enthusiasts, the predicted playing XIs for both teams highlight key players to watch. Quetta Gladiators’ lineup includes Saud Shakeel as captain, Rilee Rossouw, Ben McDermott (wicketkeeper), and Tom Curran, while Karachi Kings’ squad features David Warner as captain, Moeen Ali, and Adam Zampa.#saud_shakeel #gaddafi_stadium #quetta_gladiators #psl_2026 #karachi_kings
Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators PSL 2026 Match No 2 LIVE Streaming Details: Timings, Telecast Date, when and where to watch David Warner’s Karachi Kings will begin their campaign in the Pakistan Super League 2026 season with a clash against Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday. The second game of the PSL 2026 will see the Kings face the Gladiators, who are the finalists from the 2025 season. Both teams will play in front of empty stadiums due to the ongoing Israel-Iran War, a trend that began with the opening match of the tournament. The Gladiators, led by Saud Shakeel, narrowly missed out on their second title in 2025 after losing to Lahore Qalandars in the final. They had set a record 202-run target but failed to defend it, with Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza playing a crucial role in the chase. Karachi Kings, meanwhile, qualified for the playoffs in 2025 but fell short of the final. This year, they have added Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa and former England all-rounder Moeen Ali to their squad, aiming to improve their performance. The two teams have a history of 20 previous encounters in the PSL, with the Gladiators holding a 13-7 advantage. Quetta Gladiators will rely on their batting firepower from players like Khawaja Nafay, Rilee Rossouw, and their spin attack, led by Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed. Karachi Kings, on the other hand, will look to their experienced core, including David Warner, Moeen Ali, and Azam Khan, to secure a strong start to the tournament. The match is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It will start at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss at 7:00 PM. While the match will not be broadcast live on TV in India, fans can watch it through various streaming platforms.#gaddafi_stadium #david_warner #quetta_gladiators #psl_2026 #karachi_kings
Ex-KKR Star Spencer Johnson Joins CSK as Nathan Ellis Replacement for IPL 2026 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have confirmed the signing of Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis, who will miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a hamstring injury. Johnson, who had previously committed to the Quetta Gladiators for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, withdrew from the tournament just before its start. The move was officially announced on March 15, with Johnson citing personal reasons for his exit from the PSL. Johnson, a 31-year-old pace bowler with 13 international caps—comprising five ODIs and eight T20Is—has previously played for Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League. His IPL career includes four matches with KKR in the 2025 season, where he took one wicket and recorded a best bowling figure of 1/42. During the 2024 season, he featured in five games for GT, claiming four wickets at an economy rate of 9.4. The decision to bring in Johnson comes as CSK seeks to address their bowling depth after losing key player Matheesha Pathirana, who will now represent KKR in the 2026 season. Ellis, who was acquired by CSK for Rs 2 crore at the 2025 mega auction, had been a key performer for the franchise, taking 19 wickets in 17 IPL matches. His absence has prompted CSK to secure Johnson, who was in strong form for Australia in the past year. Johnson’s contract with CSK is reportedly worth INR 1.5 crore. The team will open their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, followed by matches against Punjab Kings on April 3 and Delhi Capitals on April 11 at their home ground, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. They will also face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 5 in Bengaluru.#chennai_super_kings #indian_premier_league #pakistan_super_league #spencer_johnson #quetta_gladiators
CSK Sign Spencer Johnson as Replacement for Ellis Chennai Super Kings have confirmed the signing of fast bowler Spencer Johnson as a replacement for injured all-rounder Dwayne Ellis. The five-time IPL champions have moved swiftly to secure Johnson, who previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 season, following Ellis's withdrawal from the tournament. Ellis, 31, was ruled out of the entire campaign after sustaining a recurrence of a hamstring injury during a domestic one-day final on March 11. Johnson, who has represented Australia in 13 T20 Internationals, has accumulated 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.96 across eight matches in the format. His IPL career includes five wickets at an average of 56.80 and an economy rate of 10.39. The right-arm pace bowler will join CSK on a contract worth INR 1.5 crore, marking a significant investment in his services. The acquisition comes after Johnson was initially announced as a direct signing by Pakistan Super League franchise Quetta Gladiators. However, he later withdrew from the PSL citing personal reasons, prompting the Gladiators to replace him with Alzarri Joseph. Johnson's inclusion in the CSK squad is set to bolster their bowling options ahead of the 2026 IPL season. CSK's campaign will commence with a match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on March 30. The team's swift action to secure Johnson underscores the competitive nature of the IPL, where injuries and scheduling challenges often necessitate last-minute replacements. The signing also highlights the growing importance of fast bowlers in the tournament, as teams continue to prioritize pace and power in their strategies.#chennai_super_kings #ipl #spencer_johnson #dwayne_ellis #quetta_gladiators
