By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe all-rounder Ryan Burl has become the latest local player to secure a major franchise move after Zimbabwe’s impressive T20 World Cup campaign, signing with defending Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Lahore Qalandars ahead of the upcoming season.
The Qalandars confirmed the deal via their official social media platforms, announcing Burl as their final squad addition for Season 11, taking their roster to 20 players.
The 31-year-old becomes the second Zimbabwean in the squad, joining national T20 captain Sikandar Raza. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett recently signed with Peshawar Zalmi, highlighting growing demand for Zimbabwean talent in franchise cricket.
Burl is set to make his PSL debut, adding another major league to his résumé. He has previously featured in competitions such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and the International League T20 (ILT20).
In 37 BPL matches, the hard-hitting left-hander has scored 620 runs at a strike rate of 127.57, including one half-century, while also contributing with the ball by claiming 13 wickets.
On the international stage, Burl has been a consistent performer for Zimbabwe. In 118 T20 internationals, he has amassed 1,948 runs at a strike rate of 124.95, alongside four fifties and 62 wickets, underlining his value as a genuine all-rounder.
The upcoming PSL season will mark a historic expansion, with eight teams competing for the first time. The tournament is scheduled to run from 26 March to 3 May, with 44 matches set to be played over 39 days.
Two new franchises — Hyderabad Kingsmen and Rawalpindi franchise — have been added to the competition.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revised logistics for the tournament, confirming that all matches will be held in Karachi and Lahore behind closed doors.
This is a shift from the original plan, which included venues in Multan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad.
Burl’s move signals another significant milestone for Zimbabwe cricket, as its players continue to gain recognition on the global T20 franchise circuit.