The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has now probably come to its fiercest and most dramatic phase: not only on the cricket field but also in the boardrooms.
Gohar Shah, the owner of Multan Sultans, has rocked the entire league after an explosive reveal on The Burger Shop Podcast. Shah was frank and blunt in his criticism of Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi, whom he accused of getting systemic favouritism, and went on to accuse Shaheen Afridi’s Lahore Qalandars of being, in his words, his “enemy number one” personally.
Though the Sultans have already secured their playoff spot, along with the top-of-the-table Zalmi, these statements have shifted the focus from Steve Smith’s first PSL century to a possible civil war among the league’s most powerful franchises.
Why Is Gohar Shah Calling It The “Peshawar Super League”?
Gohar vented his frustration on the wheat-time in the PSL 2026 that, in his opinion, Peshawar Zalmi is the team most favoured by “the rub of the green.” Shah’s remarks are not just about the rivalry, as he even disclosed that he jokes with his team members that the tournament is the “Peshawar Super League.”
The Multan owner’s grievance is that Peshawar Zalmi has been getting a lot of favourable decisions, with the result that the team captained by Babar Azam, with eight wins and one loss, is absolutely top of the table. Naturally, Babar Azam has been amazing, as highlighted by his 100 runs off 52 balls vs Quetta Gladiators on 19th April, but, in essence, Shah has insinuated that Babar Azam’s side would not have been at the top if not for the umpires’ calls, which are not being given to other teams and, in particular, to the Sultans.
What Is The “Enemy Number One” Controversy With Lahore Qalandars?
The rift between Gohar Shah and Shaheen Afridi's Lahore Qalandars escalated following a public ball-tampering accusation. Shah clarified that his “enemy number one” label for the franchise is a result of the backlash he faced after tweeting that the ball was “getting a pedicure” during a Qalandars match. An umpire eventually ruled a Lahore player out for ball tampering during the match in question.
"Lahore Qalandars are really annoying. I just don't like how they behave, especially their fan base. I'm not pointing any fingers at the owners or the players. I tweeted that I thought the ball was getting a pedicure. Later, I'm not sure, the umpire called the player in and ruled him out for ball tampering. I had no direct link to the umpire. He's the one who made that decision."
"My only fault was that, as a spectator watching the game, I felt something was happening to the ball. It didn't seem fair, so I pointed it out. But it turned into a huge issue, with people saying I'm anti-Pathan and anti-LQ. They may not be my franchise's enemy number one, but they're enemy number one for me.
Despite the umpire's official ruling, Shah was accused of being “anti-Pathan” and “anti-LQ” by the Qalandars’ fanbase. Shah meticulously noted that he holds no personal grudge against the owners or players likeShaheen Afridi, but finds the behaviour of the franchise and its supporters “annoying” and unfair, given he was simply pointing out a visible irregularity as a spectator.
Also Read: PSL 2026: Updated Points Table, Top Run-Getters And Wicket-Takers After Match 35 - LQ vs KR