Karachi Kings Team (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, Karachi Kings have strengthened their squad for the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 by adding an experienced leg-spinner ahead of a crucial stage in the tournament. The addition comes just before their important clash against Peshawar Zalmi on April 22 at Gaddafi Stadium.
The 2026 edition of the PSL has been unusual in many ways. Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, matches are being played behind closed doors.
Additionally, the number of venues has been reduced to just Lahore and Karachi, and even the opening ceremony was cancelled ahead of the start of the tournament.
Karachi Kings struggle for consistency in PSL 2026
Karachi Kings have had a mixed campaign so far in PSL 2026. They are placed 7th on the points table with six points from seven matches and a net run rate of −1.368.
Their record currently stands at three wins and four defeats, leaving them in a challenging position as they aim for a top-four finish.
The team's wins have included a four-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars and a 14-run victory against Quetta Gladiators. They also secured a solid win against Rawalpindi.
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However, heavy defeats have hurt their campaign, most notably a crushing 159-run loss to Peshawar Zalmi earlier in the tournament.
Experienced leg-spinner added to Karachi Kings' squad
The Karachi-based franchise, led by David Warner, has brought in Zahid Mahmood for the remainder of the season. He will replace Khuzaima bin Tanveer, who has left the squad for national duty.
Zahid Mahmood is known for his sharp leg-spin, effective googly, and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs. He has the familiarity with the franchise and has been part of the squad in previous editions.
Zahid Mahmood's numbers in PSL
It is worth noting that Zahid Mahmood has played for three teams in the PSL. The star player has represented Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators over the years. He has played in 15 PSL matches and bagged 15 wickets at an economy rate of 8.52.
His best season was with Karachi Kings in PSL 2023/24; he played 6 matches and scalped 8 wickets at an economy rate of 6.95.
Looking at his overall career for Pakistan, Zahid Mahmood has featured across formats. In Test, he has played four matches, taking 13 wickets with best figures of 6/115. In ODIs, he has claimed 4 wickets from 4 matches, while in T20Is, he has taken 3 wickets in a single appearance.
In domestic and franchise cricket, his numbers are more extensive. Across 79 first-class matches, he has taken 244 wickets at an economy rate of 3.81.
In List A cricket, he has picked up 78 wickets in 53 matches at an economy rate of 5.00. In the T20 format, he has played 81 matches and taken 100 wickets at an economy rate of 7.38.
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