The highly anticipated HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) Player Draft is set to take place on December 13 at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, promising cricket enthusiasts a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of their favorite teams. With a slew of trades and strategic retentions, the upcoming season is poised to be a thrilling spectacle.
In a surprising move, Multan Sultans clinched the first pick in the Platinum category after trading Iftikhar Ahmed and Rilee Rossouw with Quetta Gladiators. This trade not only shook up team dynamics but also highlighted the strategic maneuvers teams are willing to make to strengthen their line-ups.
Franchises will once again wield the powerful Right to Match Card during the draft, offering them the opportunity to reclaim players who were released. This mechanism adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, as teams weigh their options and make crucial decisions in real-time.
One of the most talked-about trades involves Karachi Kings, who swapped Shan Masood for the promising left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram. This strategic move not only alters the composition of the team but also showcases the importance of identifying and securing talent that fits the team’s requirements.
Quetta Gladiators made bold decisions by retaining Rilee Rossouw and Wanindu Hasaranga in the Platinum category, while Jason Roy secured his spot in the Diamond category. Islamabad United, on the other hand, opted to retain Shadab Khan and traded for the young fast bowler Naseem Shah in the Platinum category, also appointing Sarfaraz Ahmed as their Brand Ambassador.
Lahore Qalandars strategically retained captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf in the Diamond category, and Sikandar Raza in Gold. Notably, they chose to retain Rashid Khan despite injury concerns, emphasizing the value they place on the world-class spinner.
Peshawar Zalmi secured their core by retaining Babar Azam and Rovman Powell in the Platinum category, with Mohammad Haris appointed as their Brand Ambassador.
Multan Sultans, under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, made calculated moves by retaining Iftikhar Ahmed and welcoming Brand Ambassador Ihsanullah into the fold. The team appears set to build on its previous successes with a blend of experienced players and fresh talent.
Complete Retention List Ahead of PSL 9 Draft
| Team | Players | Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore Qalandars | Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Haris Rauf (Diamond), | Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Gold, Gold, Silver |
| David Wiese (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), | Gold, Silver | |
| Abdullah Shafique (Gold), Zaman Khan (Gold), | Silver | |
| Mirza Tahir Baig (Silver), Rashid Khan (Silver) | ||
| Islamabad United | Shadab Khan (Platinum), Naseem Shah (Platinum), | Platinum, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond, Gold, |
| Imad Wasim (Diamond), Azam Khan (Diamond), | Gold, Silver | |
| Faheem Ashraf (Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales (Gold), | ||
| Colin Munro (Gold), Rumman Raees (Silver) | ||
| Multan Sultans | Mohammad Rizwan (Platinum), Iftikhar Ahmed (Platinum), | Platinum, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond, Gold, |
| Khushdil Shah (Diamond), Usama Mir (Diamond), | Brand Ambassador (Silver), Emerging | |
| Abbas Afridi (Gold), Ihsanullah (Brand Ambassador, Silver), | ||
| Faisal Akram (Emerging) | ||
| Karachi Kings | James Vince (Diamond), Hasan Ali (Diamond), | Diamond, Diamond, Brand Ambassador (Gold), |
| Shan Masood (Brand Ambassador), Shoaib Malik (Mentor), | Mentor (Gold), Gold, Successful Relegation | |
| Tabraiz Shamsi (Gold), Mir Hamza (Silver), | Request (Silver), Silver | |
| Muhammad Akhlaq (Silver), Muhammad Irfan Khan (Emerging) | ||
| Quetta Gladiators | Rilee Rossouw (Platinum), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Diamond), | Platinum, Diamond, Diamond, Brand Ambassador |
| Jason Roy (Diamond), Wanindu Hasaranga (Diamond), | (Gold), Gold, Gold, Silver | |
| Sarfaraz Ahmed (Brand Ambassador), Abrar Ahmed (Gold), | ||
| Mohammad Hasnain (Gold), Will Smeed (Silver) | ||
| Peshawar Zalmi | Babar Azam (Platinum), Rovman Powell (Platinum), | Platinum, Platinum, Diamond, Diamond, Brand |
| Saim Ayub (Diamond), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Diamond), | Ambassador (Gold), Gold, Silver | |
| Mohammad Haris (Brand Ambassador), Aamir Jamal (Gold), | ||
| Khurram Shahzad (Silver), Haseebullah (Emerging) |
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