![Shaheen Afridi laughs during a PSL 2026 event [Source: @Khelshel/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768460606358_ShaheenAfridilaughsduringaPSL2026event.jpg?type=hq)
Shaheen Afridi laughs during a PSL 2026 event [Source: @Khelshel/X]
During a Pakistan Super League promotional event, Pakistan star pacer Shaheen Afridi was seen laughing uncontrollably as fans loudly demanded the inclusion of Babar Azam in the Lahore Qalandars squad for the upcoming PSL 2026 season.
The 11th edition of the PSL is set to feature two new teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, marking a major expansion of the league. While the addition of the two franchises is expected to raise the stakes for the title, the core team formations are yet to take place.
Amid these developments, a light-hearted moment unfolded during the promotional event, where Shaheen Afridi and Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman were present on stage.
Shaheen Afridi laughs uncontrollably after Babar Azam was named
As the host asked the audience whether they wanted Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf to represent Lahore Qalandars this season, Shaheen burst into laughter the moment Haris Rauf’s name was mentioned. The camera quickly panned towards Shaheen, who was seen laughing hysterically and covering his face with his shirt in amusement.
The host then asked the crowd whether they would like to see Babar Azam play for Lahore Qalandars. Once again, Shaheen Afridi responded with laughter before regaining composure, adding to the fun atmosphere at the event.
Notably, Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf were all part of the Lahore Qalandars squad in the 2025 edition, which went on to lift the PSL title.
Babar Azam, however, is currently the captain of Peshawar Zalmi and led the franchise to their PSL triumph in 2016, an edition that was jointly hosted in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
Is there a rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi?
While it remains uncertain whether Babar Azam will feature for Lahore Qalandars in PSL 11, Shaheen Afridi’s reaction to his name did not go unnoticed. Reports have previously suggested a possible rift between Babar Azam and Afridi, stemming from leadership transitions and alleged internal disagreements.
The tension is believed to have arisen after Shaheen Afridi was removed from Pakistan’s T20I captaincy in early 2024 following just one series, with Babar Azam being reinstated, a decision that reportedly caused dissatisfaction.
There were also reports suggesting that Babar had criticised senior players for a lack of responsibility, which prompted Afridi to intervene and call for recognition of players who performed well.
PSL 2026 ready to get underway with crucial decisions pending
Meanwhile, PSL 2026 is set to get underway with eight teams competing for the title. As defending champions, Lahore Qalandars will be aiming to secure their fourth PSL crown when the tournament begins on March 23, 2026.
PSL authorities are still engaged in crucial discussions, ranging from budget allocations and player salary caps to the tournament structure, including whether the league will follow a draft-based system or shift to an auction model. With several key decisions still pending, the core squads for PSL 11 have not yet been finalised.
