Daniel Sams Signs for Lahore Qalandars as Dasun Shanaka Replacement in PSL 2026
Lahore Qalandars have moved quickly to replace Dasun Shanaka, signing Australian left-arm all-rounder Daniel Sams ahead of PSL 2026. Shanaka departed for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL earlier this week, leaving Qalandars with an overseas slot to fill. They have filled it with someone who knows T20 cricket inside out.
PSL 2026 begins on March 26 and Lahore open their campaign on the very first day against Hyderabad Kingsmen.
Why Did Lahore Need a Replacement
Dasun Shanaka was signed by Lahore Qalandars ahead of PSL 2026 but withdrew to join Rajasthan Royals as a replacement for the injured Sam Curran in the IPL. That left Qalandars with a gap in their overseas all-rounder department just days before their opening match.
Given that PSL 2026 kicks off with Lahore vs Hyderabad Kingsmen on March 26, there was zero margin for delay. Qalandars acted fast and brought in Daniel Sams as the direct replacement.
Who Is Daniel Sams
Daniel Sams is a 32-year-old Australian left-arm fast-medium all-rounder who has built a strong reputation across franchise T20 cricket around the world. He bowls with pace and variation, bats aggressively in the lower order and has proven himself in high-pressure situations.
Key career highlights:
- Represented Australia in T20 Internationals
- Played in the IPL for multiple franchises including Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals
- Featured in the Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers and New South Wales
- Known for his death bowling skills and ability to take wickets at the back end of innings
- Left-arm angle makes him difficult for right-handed batters in T20 cricket
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 32 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Bowling Style | Left-arm Fast-medium |
| Batting Style | Right-hand lower order |
| Speciality | Death bowling, lower order hitting |
| IPL Experience | Yes, multiple franchises |
| T20I caps | Australia representative |
How Sams Fits Into Lahore Qalandars Squad
Lahore Qalandars already have a strong squad built around Shaheen Shah Afridi as captain. Adding Sams gives them an additional left-arm bowling option which changes the dynamic of their attack significantly.
Shaheen bowls left-arm from one end. Sams can come in at the other. Two left-arm pacers operating in tandem is a serious tactical weapon, especially on Lahore’s quick outfield where pace and swing count.
In the batting department, Sams at number seven or eight gives Qalandars a genuine lower-order finisher. He has hit big sixes at franchise level and is not someone who goes quietly when runs are needed late.
| Role | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Captain, Pacer | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan |
| Opener | Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan |
| Overseas Batter | Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh |
| Overseas Batter | Parvez Hossain Emon | Bangladesh |
| All-Rounder (Replacement) | Daniel Sams | Australia |
| Middle Order | Shai Hope | West Indies |
| Spinner | Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan |
Check the Lahore Qalandars squad for the complete and most updated player list heading into PSL 2026.
PSL 2026 Context for Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars are in Group 1 alongside Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings. This is the group packed with PSL title winners and every match in it is a genuine contest.
Qalandars won back-to-back PSL titles in 2022 and 2023 and are always one of the favourites. Their squad has quality throughout and with Shaheen Shah Afridi fully fit and leading from the front, they are a serious threat for the title again.
The opening match on March 26 against Hyderabad Kingsmen is a great opportunity to set the tone from day one. Daniel Sams coming straight into that squad gives Shaheen another quality option to call on from ball one.
Follow the PSL 2026 schedule to track all Lahore Qalandars fixtures as the group stage gets underway.
FAQs
Why did Lahore Qalandars sign Daniel Sams? Daniel Sams was signed as a direct replacement for Dasun Shanaka, who left Lahore Qalandars to join Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 as Sam Curran’s replacement.
Who is Daniel Sams in cricket? Daniel Sams is a 32-year-old Australian left-arm all-rounder known for his death bowling skills and aggressive lower-order batting. He has played in the IPL and Big Bash League.
Which team is Daniel Sams playing for in PSL 2026? Daniel Sams has been signed by Lahore Qalandars for PSL 2026 as a replacement overseas player.
When do Lahore Qalandars play their first PSL 2026 match? Lahore Qalandars open PSL 2026 on March 26 against Hyderabad Kingsmen in the tournament’s opening fixture.
Has Daniel Sams played in the IPL before? Yes. Daniel Sams has played for multiple IPL franchises including Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals during his T20 career.
Which group are Lahore Qalandars in for PSL 2026? Lahore Qalandars are in Group 1 alongside Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings.
