Franchises unveil players retention for PSL 9 ahead of draft

 Franchises unveil players retention for PSL 9 ahead of draft

Asher Butt

In the lead-up to the HBL PSL Player Draft 2024, all six franchises have solidified their player rosters through a strategic combination of trades and retentions. The

 much-anticipated draft, scheduled for December 13 at Lahore's National Cricket Academy, will witness the culmination of these franchise-specific player retention decisions. Each franchise had the flexibility to retain a maximum of eight players, with the exception of Multan Sultans, who opted to retain seven.

 

Karachi Kings have retained a formidable lineup, including star players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan. The inclusion of Shan Masood, traded for the emerging talent Faisal Akram, adds further depth to their squad. Additionally, the experienced Shoaib Malik remains a pivotal figure, complementing the team's mix of youth and experience.

 

Islamabad United's retentions showcase a blend of T20 prowess with the likes of Shadab Khan and the emerging fast-bowler Naseem Shah. The seasoned Imad Wasim assumes the role of Mentor, contributing his strategic insights to the team. With Faheem Ashraf in the Gold category and Rumman Raees in Silver, Islamabad United aims for a well-rounded squad.

 

Multan Sultans, led by the dynamic Mohammad Rizwan, have strategically retained Iftikhar Ahmed after a trade with Quetta Gladiators. The versatile Ihsanullah, appointed as Brand Ambassador, adds to the team's firepower. Faisal Akram, secured through a trade with Karachi Kings, reinforces their commitment to nurturing young talent.

 

Quetta Gladiators, a team known for its star-studded lineup, has retained key players like Rilee Rossouw, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Jason Roy. Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Abrar Ahmed, acquired through trades, bolster the team's depth. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, now Brand Ambassador, continues to contribute his experience to the team.

 

Lahore Qalandars, the reigning champions, have secured the services of proven performers such as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Sikandar Raza. Rashid Khan, though possibly missing the tournament due to injury, remains a valuable asset. The retention of Mirza Tahir Baig in the Silver category adds stability to the squad.

 

Peshawar Zalmi's retentions emphasize consistency, with Babar Azam, the most successful batter in HBL PSL history, leading the way. Rovman Powell and Mohammad Haris, both retained, contribute power-hitting capabilities. Babar Azam's retention in the Platinum category signifies Peshawar Zalmi's commitment to building around a proven match-winner.

 

The draft dynamics set the stage for intriguing player exchanges and strategic picks. Multan Sultans' first pick in the Platinum category and Karachi Kings' and Quetta Gladiators' local player selections in the same category will be pivotal moments. The Right to Match Card, allowing franchises to reclaim released players during the draft, adds an element of unpredictability. With 485 international players from 22 nations expressing interest, the HBL PSL Player Draft 2024 promises to shape the narrative for another thrilling season of Pakistan's premier T20 league.

Full retentions:

 

Lahore Qalandars (8) Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador) and David Wiese (both Diamond), Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique and Zaman Khan (all Gold), Mirza Tahir Baig (Successful relegation request) and Rashid Khan (both Silver).

 

Islamabad United (8) Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah (both Platinum), Imad Wasim (Mentor) and Azam Khan (both Diamond), Faheem Ashraf (Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales and Colin Munro (all Gold), Rumman Raees (Successful relegation request in Silver).

 

Multan Sultans (7) Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed (both Platinum), Khushdil Shah and Usama Mir (both Diamond), Abbas Afridi (Gold), Ihsanullah (Brand Ambassador, Silver), Faisal Akram (Emerging).

 

Karachi Kings (8) James Vince and Hasan Ali (Diamond), Shan Masood (Brand Ambassador), Shoaib Malik (Mentor) and Tabraiz Shamsi (all Gold), Mir Hamza (Successful relegation request) and Muhammad Akhlaq (both Silver), Muhammad Irfan Khan (Emerging).

 

Quetta Gladiators (8) Rilee Rossouw (Platinum), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Jason Roy and Wanindu Hasaranga (all Diamond), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Brand Ambassador) Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Hasnain (all Gold), Will Smeed (Silver).

 

Peshawar Zalmi (8) Babar Azam and Rovman Powell (both Platinum), Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (all Diamond), Mohammad Haris (Brand Ambassador) and Aamir Jamal (both Gold), Khurram Shahzad (Silver), Haseebullah (Emerging).

 

Some of the star foreign players registered in the top two categories:

 

Platinum: Daniel Sams, Ashton Agar (both Australia), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (all Afghanistan), Ben Duckett, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Luke Wood, Reece Topley, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills (all England), Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal), James Neesham (New Zealand), Rassie van der Dussen, Imran Tahir (both South Africa), Maheesh Theekshana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (all Sri Lanka), Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Brandon King Sherfane Rutherford and Kyle Mayers (all West Indies)

Diamond: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi (both Afghanistan), Ben McDermott (Australia), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahmudullah (all Bangladesh), Dan Lawrence, Gus Atkinson, Jordan Cox, Liam Dawson, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Richard Gleeson, Sam Hain (all England), Tim Seifert, Martin Guptill, Chad Bowes (all New Zealand), George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Wayne Parnell, Sisanda Magala (all South Africa), Dilshan Madushanka, Charith Asalanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Sadeera Samarawickrama (all Sri Lanka), Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Rahkeem Cornwall, Roston Chase, Shai Hope, Hayden Walsh (all West Indies)