Exciting debuts and key picks shape team rosters in PSL 2023 draft

 Exciting debuts and key picks shape team rosters in PSL 2023 draft

Asher Butt

LAHORE: In a highly anticipated event, the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 draft unfolded, revealing a captivating array of international players and emerging talents as franchises meticulously shaped their rosters for the forthcoming season. The draft, marked by strategic planning and team-building, promises an electrifying season of T20 cricket.

 

One of the standout moments of the draft was the inclusion of Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams in the Platinum round, set to make his HBL PSL debut with Karachi Kings. Known for his dynamic skills with both bat and ball, Sams brings an exciting dimension to the Karachi Kings' lineup, setting the stage for a promising collaboration.

 

South African talents Reeza Hendricks and Lungi Ngidi also made headlines as they prepare for their maiden stint in the HBL PSL. Hendricks, a top-order batsman with an impressive T20 record, joins Multan Sultans in the Gold category, while Ngidi, a formidable fast bowler, strengthens Peshawar Zalmi in the Supplementary round, adding depth to the bowling attack.

 

Multan Sultans made a strong statement with their first pick in the Platinum round, securing the services of English all-rounder David Willey. Willey, boasting 270 wickets and 3,720 runs in T20 cricket, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Sultans' campaign, bringing experience and versatility to the squad.

 

Karachi Kings strategically bolstered their lineup by securing West Indies powerhouse Kieron Pollard in the Platinum round. Pollard's vast experience and all-round skills make him a valuable addition to the Kings' roster, adding firepower to both batting and bowling departments.

 

Lahore Qalandars demonstrated their commitment to consistency by retaining star left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman in the Platinum round. Zaman, known for his prolific run-scoring, remains a key asset for Lahore Qalandars, ensuring stability and aggression at the top of the order.

 

In the Diamond round, Lahore Qalandars further strengthened their top order with the inclusion of Sahibzada Farhan. The top run-getter in the National T20 Cup 2023-24, Farhan brings valuable experience and runs to Lahore Qalandars' batting lineup, enhancing their potential for success.

 

Quetta Gladiators secured West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein in the Supplementary round, adding depth to their spin attack. As the ninth-best T20 bowler in the world, Hosein's inclusion enhances Quetta Gladiators' bowling options, offering a strategic advantage in the competition.

 

Additionally, Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United utilized the Silver round to secure promising talents, Salman Irshad and Omair Bin Yousuf, respectively. Lahore Qalandars retained fast bowler Salman Irshad, while Islamabad United added young top-order batter Omair Bin Yousuf to their roster, recognizing their potential contributions.

 

The HBL PSL 2023 draft, marked by strategic moves and the use of Right to Match (RTM) options, has set the stage for a captivating season. With a blend of seasoned international campaigners and emerging stars, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a riveting display of talent and competition in Pakistan's premier T20 league. As the countdown to the season opener begins, fans eagerly await an unforgettable cricketing spectacle.

 

 

 

 

 

Full squads:

 

Lahore Qalandars – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) (all Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador), David Wiese (Namibia) and Sahibzada Farhan (Wildcard) (all Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan (all Gold), Mirza Tahir Baig (Successful relegation request), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Mohammad Imran, Ahsan Bhatti, Dan Lawrence (England) (all Silver), Jahandad Khan, Syed Faridoun Mahmood (both Emerging), Shai Hope (West Indies) and Kamran Ghulam (both Supplementary)

 

Islamabad United – Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Jordan Cox (Wildcard) (England) (all Platinum), Imad Wasim (Mentor), Azam Khan, Tymal Mills (England) (all Diamond), Faheem Ashraf (Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales (England), Colin Munro (New Zealand) (all Gold), Rumman Raees (Successful relegation request), Matthew Forde (West Indies), Salman Ali Agha, Qasim Akram, Shahab Khan (Silver), Hunain Shah, Ubaid Shah (both Emerging), Shamyl Hussain and Tom Curran (England) (both Supplementary)

 

Multan Sultans – Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey (England) (all Platinum), Khushdil Shah, Usama Mir, Dawid Malan (England) (all Diamond), Abbas Afridi, Reeza Hendricks (South Africa), Reece Topley (England) (all Gold), Ihsanullah (Brand Ambassador), Tayyab Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Mohammad Ali, Usman Khan (UAE) (all Silver), Faisal Akram, Yasir Khan (both Emerging), Chris Jordan (England) and Aftab Ibrahim (both Supplementary)

 

Karachi Kings – Kieron Pollard (West Indies), Daniel Sams (Australia), Mohammad Nawaz (all Platinum), James Vince (England), Hasan Ali, Tim Seifert (New Zealand) (all Diamond), Shan Masood (Brand Ambassador), Shoaib Malik (Mentor), Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa) (all Gold), Mir Hamza (Successful relegation request), Muhammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali and Arafat Minhas (all Silver), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Sirajuddin (both Emerging), Saad Baig and Jamie Overton (England) (both Supplementary)

 

Quetta Gladiators – Rilee Rossouw (South Africa), Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies), Mohammad Amir (Platinum), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Jason Roy (England), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) (all Diamond), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Brand Ambassador) Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain (all Gold), Will Smeed (England), Saud Shakeel, Sajjad Ali Jnr, Usman Qadir, Omair Bin Yousuf (all Silver), Adil Naz, Khawaja Nafay (both Emerging), Akeal Hosein (West Indies) and Sohail Khan (both Supplementary)

 

Peshawar Zalmi – Babar Azam, Rovman Powell (West Indies), Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan) (all Platinum), Saim Ayub, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (England), Asif Ali (all Diamond), Mohammad Haris (Brand Ambassador), Aamir Jamal, Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan) (all Gold), Khurram Shahzad, Salman Irshad, Arif Yaqoob, Umair Afridi, Daniel Mousley (England) (Silver), Haseebullah, Mohammad Zeeshan (both Emerging), Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) and Mehran Mumtaz (both Supplementary)