Pakistan Sports | July 2026 | 3 min read
⚡ Quick Takeaways
- Shaun Tait has joined Lahore Qalandars as head coach for GSL 2026.
- Michael Bracewell will captain the side in the tournament in Guyana.
- The five-team event will run from July 23 to August 1 at Providence Stadium.
- Qalandars will start their campaign against Cricket Victoria on July 23.
- The squad includes international names and several emerging Pakistani players.
Lahore Qalandars have confirmed their squad and leadership plan for the 2026 Global Super League, giving the side a fresh coaching voice and a new captain for the short T20 tournament in Guyana.
| Shaun Tait | Michael Bracewell | July 23 Start |
| Former Australian pacer appointed head coach | New Zealand all-rounder named captain | Opening match against Cricket Victoria |
Qalandars Turn to Tait for GSL Campaign
Lahore Qalandars have unveiled their squad for the 2026 Global Super League and appointed former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as head coach for the tournament. The announcement was made by franchise owner and Chief Executive Officer Atif Rana during a press conference ahead of the event.
Tait’s appointment gives Qalandars a high-profile fast-bowling figure for T20 conditions in Guyana. Rana welcomed him to the franchise, saying the former Australian pacer brings international coaching experience and a winning mindset. The move also signals that Qalandars want a compact, tournament-specific setup for the GSL.
Michael Bracewell has been named captain, giving the team an experienced overseas all-rounder to lead a squad built around established names and younger Pakistani players. His role will be important because the format leaves little room for slow starts.
| Selection Note: Qalandars have gone with a balanced squad that gives exposure to young players while keeping experienced T20 options in key roles. |
GSL 2026 Schedule and Format
The 2026 Global Super League will be held in Guyana from July 23 to August 1. The tournament will feature five teams and all fixtures are scheduled for Providence Stadium. The compact window means Qalandars must settle quickly into conditions.
Qalandars will open against Cricket Victoria on July 23 before facing Central Stags on July 24. Their third match is against Guyana Amazon Warriors on July 26, followed by Rangpur Riders on July 29. Two matches in the first two days will make squad depth and recovery important from the start.
This will be Lahore Qalandars’ second appearance in the Global Super League. They played in the inaugural edition in 2024 and finished fourth, while Rangpur Riders won the first GSL title. The 2026 campaign gives Qalandars a chance to improve and build a stronger international franchise profile.
Lahore Qalandars GSL 2026 Squad
| Player | Role / Note | Status |
| Michael Bracewell | All-rounder | Captain |
| Abdullah Shafique | Top-order batter | Squad |
| Muhammad Naeem | Batter | Squad |
| Parvez Hossain Emon | Batter | Squad |
| Usama Mir | Leg-spinner | Squad |
| Shamyl Hussain | Batter | Squad |
| Shayan Jahangir | Wicketkeeper-batter | Squad |
| Farhan Yousaf | Player | Squad |
| Shahab Khan | Player | Squad |
| Mehran Mumtaz | Spinner | Squad |
| Ali Shabbir | Player | Squad |
| Imran Randhawa | All-round option | Squad |
| Delano Potgieter | All-rounder | Squad |
| Muhammad Basit | Player | Squad |
Young Players Get a Bigger Stage
The squad reflects Lahore Qalandars’ long-running focus on talent development. Players such as Shamyl Hussain, Mehran Mumtaz, Shahab Khan and Muhammad Basit will get a chance to test themselves against teams from different cricket systems.
For the franchise, the GSL is also a branding opportunity. Lahore Qalandars have built a strong identity through the Pakistan Super League, and an overseas tournament allows them to show that model outside Pakistan. With Tait and Bracewell leading, the team enters with a clear structure and a squad built for competition and development.
| Tournament Watch: The squad and schedule are based on announcements available before the event. Final playing XIs may change according to form, fitness and conditions. |
Disclaimer: This article is based on official franchise announcements and publicly reported tournament details available at the time of writing. Squad availability and match plans may change before or during the event.
