PSL 2026: Pakistan’s veteran cricketer Sharjeel Khan made a powerful comeback to the Pakistan Super League 2026 with an unbeaten knock of 51 runs off just 26 balls during the Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Multan Sultans match in Lahore, on Wednesday.
His quickfire knock added excitement to an already high-scoring game and reminded fans of his big-hitting ability.
A Comeback After Three Years
Sharjeel's last appearance in franchise cricket came in PSL 2023, when he was playing for Karachi Kings, a team he had been part of since 2020. Before that, he had also represented Islamabad United. Over the past few years, he stayed active in domestic cricket, playing in the National T20 Cup and the 2024/25 Champions T20 Cup in Pakistan.
For PSL 2026, he was picked by Hyderabad Kingsmen, one of the two new teams this season. After the team lost their first two matches, Sharjeel was brought in for the third game, marking his return after a three-year gap.
PSL 2026: Late Burst Powers Hyderabad Kingsmen
Hyderabad made a strong start, thanks to Maaz Sadaqat's quick 62 off 26 balls, reaching 74-1 in the powerplay. Sharjeel Khan came in at 98-2 but didn't get much strike early and had faced only six balls by the 14th over.
He then started attacking, hitting a four and a six off Mohammad Nawaz. After a quiet few overs, he was on 22 off 16 balls when Shehzad Gul came to bowl the 18th over.
That over changed the game. Sharjeel smashed a no-ball for six and continued hitting boundaries, scoring 27 runs in the over. He quickly reached 49 off 23 balls and finished unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls. It was his seventh PSL fifty. Hyderabad Kingsmen ended with a big total of 225-5. At that time, Multan Sultans were 100-0 in seven overs, making the chase interesting.
Sharjeel Khan Reflects on His Comeback
After his return, Sharjeel Khan spoke about making the most of opportunities and learning from experience.
“Look, being a professional player, the first thing is that whenever you get an opportunity, you should definitely avail it. If you don't take different experiences, you cannot learn. So, whenever an opportunity came, I made sure to avail it,” Sharjeel said.
Focus on Fitness and Future
Sharjeel shared that he worked hard on his fitness during his time away from the PSL and stayed ready for his comeback.
“As for this comeback, during the two-year gap in the PSL, I worked a lot on my fitness. My aim has always been that whenever I get a chance, I perform well. To give you clarity, I only play in the USA when I am available,” he revealed.
He also made it clear that his priority is to play for Pakistan.
“Whenever I play a tournament there, I return afterward. I have no plans to settle in the USA or to permanently play for any team there. My priority has always been to play for Pakistan, and now that things have started again, I will continue to give my best,” he concluded.
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