DUBAI: New-look Karachi Kings and both the previous editions? runners-up Quetta Gladiators will meet in today?s first match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Kings, captained by Imad Wasim in this year?s Pakistan Super League (PSL), have revamped their lineup, the trade-in of Shahid Afridi from Peshawar Zalmi being the biggest boost to their squad.

Another boost to the Kings is England captain Eoin Morgan, who was drafted in from Zalmi as well. However, the team might miss the presence of opener Luke Wright, who ruled himself out over fitness concerns. Veterans Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Mahela Jayawardena were also released by the team to make way for younger blood, after the team had a disappointing run in PSL 1 and managed to finish third in the group stage in PSL 2.

Sarfraz Ahmed?s Gladiators, on the other hand, made it to the finals in both the previous editions, facing a heartbreak each time as the trophy continued to elude them.

This time, Gladiators? arsenal is stronger than ever: Jason Roy and Shane Watson, who have been traded in from Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United, respectively, bring immense depth to an already consistent side.

Among the youngsters, Afghanistan?s spin sensation Rashid Khan, Pakistan U-19 captain Hassan Khan and fast-rising speedster Jofra Archer bring additional strength to the team.

Here?s a look at the two teams and their key players:

Karachi Kings

Head coach: Mickey Arthur

Captain: Imad Wasim

Squad: Imad Wasim (c), Babar Azam, Joe Denly, Colin Ingram, Khurram Manzoor, Lendl Simmons, Saifullah Bangash, Eoin Morgan, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammed Taha, Tabish Khan, Ravi Bopara, Hasan Mohsin, Shahid Afridi, David Wiese, Usama Mir, Tymal Mills, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari

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Quetta Gladiators

Head coach: Moin Khan

Captain: Sarfraz Ahmed

Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Rilee Rossouw, Jason Roy, Kevin Pietersen, Rameez Raja, Asad Shafiq, Shane Watson, Umar Amin, Mohammad Nawaz, Mahmudullah, Jofra Archer, Saad Ali, Saud Shakeel, Rashid Khan, Anwar Ali, Hassan Khan Mohammad, Mir Hamza, Rahat Ali

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