Multan Sultans have temporarily released opener Sahibzada Farhan and senior batter Sohaib Maqsood from the squad to allow them a short break as part of the team’s rest strategy. Sahibzada Farhan has traveled to Peshawar, while Sohaib Maqsood has returned to Multan. This decision was made under the guidance of head coach Tim Paine and team owner Gohar Shah, implementing a structured “free day” policy designed to give players personal time and mental recovery during the intense PSL schedule.
The franchise emphasized that this approach acknowledges the physical and mental demands of continuous high-level competition. By providing players with brief respites, the management aims to help them maintain peak performance and return to the squad refreshed and focused. Officials highlighted that balanced rest is crucial for sustaining consistency throughout the tournament.
Both players are expected to rejoin the team ahead of the April 13 fixture. Furthermore, the management plans to extend similar breaks to other players and coaching staff following that match, indicating a broader rotation and rest strategy as the PSL progresses.
In a significant development, Multan Sultans recently secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators on April 5 in the 13th match of PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium. Chasing a target of 167, the Sultans paced their innings with control, reaching the target with 15 balls remaining while losing only four wickets. The opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Colin Smith set a strong tone, putting Quetta on the defensive early with a rapid 71-run stand in just five overs. Farhan was particularly aggressive, scoring 32 runs off 14 balls before Alzarri Joseph ended the partnership.
Quetta Gladiators attempted to regain momentum with wickets falling at key moments, including the dismissal of Josh Philippe by Saud Shakeel. However, Multan Sultans maintained their advantage throughout the chase. Colin Smith anchored the innings with a fluent 53 off 35 balls, supported by Shan Masood, who helped steady the innings during crucial phases. Even as wickets fell intermittently, the Sultans never lost control.
Arafat Minhas contributed valuable runs before Shan Masood took charge, finishing unbeaten on 46 to guide the team home in the 18th over. Earlier, Quetta Gladiators had posted 166 for 7, a total that seemed below par given the conditions. Their innings started poorly with early wickets, and despite Saud Shakeel’s patient 56 and Jacob’s unbeaten 49, they struggled to keep pace with the required run rate.
Hasan Nawaz was the standout bowler for Multan, claiming three wickets, while Arafat Minhas supported with two. Their disciplined bowling prevented Quetta from accelerating in the final overs, a decisive factor in the match. Overall, Multan Sultans delivered a polished and balanced performance, combining aggression with composure, which could build momentum as PSL 11 advances into its early stages.
