Lahore Qalandars have confirmed the signing of Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams as a replacement for Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 season.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Lahore, with the franchise moving quickly to fill the gap left by Shanaka, who has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons after being picked in the PSL draft.
Sams arrives as a like-for-like replacement, bringing significant T20 experience and all-round strength to the Qalandars lineup. Known for his aggressive batting and effective left-arm seam bowling, the Australian boasts a T20 batting strike rate of over 150 and has claimed 262 wickets in 216 matches, underlining his reputation as a reliable match-winner in the shortest format.
The signing reflects Lahore Qalandars’ intent to maintain balance and competitiveness ahead of the new season, particularly after losing a key overseas player close to the tournament.
Welcoming the addition, Lahore Qalandars owner Sameen Rana expressed confidence in Sams’ abilities, stating that his all-round skills and match-winning potential would add significant depth to the squad. He highlighted Sams as a dynamic player capable of making an impact with both bat and ball, while also bringing energy and experience to the dressing room.
With the PSL 2026 season fast approaching, Lahore Qalandars will be looking to integrate Sams quickly into their setup as they aim to remain strong contenders in the tournament.
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