Lahore Qalandars have strengthened their squad for PSL 11 with the signing of Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, as the defending champions finalize their overseas options before the tournament begins on 26 March. His arrival comes after West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie withdrew from the season, reportedly due to travel disruptions following the T20 World Cup.

At just 23, Wellalage is seen as a high-upside addition and a like-for-like replacement for Motie. He impressed at the World Cup with eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.22, while also showing promise as a lower-middle-order batter—an asset in the fast-paced format of T20 cricket.

The Qalandars, who have claimed three of the last four PSL titles, will open their campaign in the tournament’s first match against the newly introduced Hyderabad Kingsmen. Wellalage will also reunite with fellow Sri Lankan Dasun Shanaka, who was secured earlier in the auction, giving Lahore a strong Sri Lankan presence in their lineup.

Elsewhere, overseas reshuffles continue to affect other franchises. Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani has withdrawn from PSL 11 after signing with Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, leaving Islamabad United to adjust their plans. With PSL and IPL schedules overlapping once again, teams across both leagues are bracing for further last-minute changes to their squads.

Pakistan fast bowler Salman Mirza has served a legal notice to broadcaster ARY Communications and journalist Shahid Hashmi, accusing them of spreading false and defamatory claims about his conduct during the team’s recent stay in Sri Lanka.

The notice, dated March 12, refers to a report aired on March 5 by ARY News which alleged that Mirza had misbehaved with a female staff member at the team hotel in Kandy and that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had fined him over the incident.

Mirza has strongly denied the allegations, with his legal team describing the broadcast as baseless and damaging to his reputation. The PCB also rejected the claims through its official X account, calling the report “agenda-driven fake news” and stressing that no disciplinary action had been taken against the player.

In the legal notice, Mirza’s lawyers demanded that ARY News and Hashmi retract the report from all platforms, issue an unconditional public apology, and pay damages of 100 million Pakistani rupees for the harm caused to his reputation and goodwill. The notice further warns that court proceedings will be initiated if these demands are not met within seven days.

Sri Lanka’s newly appointed head coach, Gary Kirsten, has outlined his vision for the national team, emphasizing consistency, depth, and adaptability as key pillars for success. Speaking to Wisden Cricket, Kirsten shared his thoughts on the challenges ahead and the roadmap he hopes to build with the players.

“Our goal is to move significantly up the rankings. Everyone wants to be part of a winning team, and that means we must focus on achieving victories more consistently,” Kirsten said.

He highlighted the unique challenge faced by subcontinental teams: performing well outside their home conditions. With the ICC World Cup approaching, Kirsten stressed the importance of preparing for South African conditions.

“It’s vital that we adapt to those environments, especially with a major tournament around the corner,” he noted.

Kirsten’s primary ambition is to establish stability within the system while also identifying the squad’s depth.

“How many players are competing for the same position? As an international coach, creating competition within the team is crucial. Relying on just two or three individuals for wins is a risky strategy,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka will play several bilateral series, which Kirsten sees as an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of the team.

“My focus in the coming months is to build a strong background that supports long-term success,” he added.

Earlier Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the new head coach, succeeding Sanath Jayasuriya, who stepped down following the recently concluded T20 World Cup