Lahore, ahead of the highly anticipated HBL PSL Player Draft 2024, all six franchises have completed their trades and player retentions. The draft event is scheduled for 13 December at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, setting the stage for the upcoming season.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, each franchise was allotted a maximum of eight retentions, with Multan Sultans choosing to retain seven players, while others utilized all their retention slots. Lahore Qalandars, the reigning champions for the last two seasons, have retained their captain Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Platinum category. Haris Rauf, named the team’s brand ambassador, is retained in the Diamond category, along with Sikandar Raza in Gold and Rashid Khan in Silver.
Islamabad United, two-time champions, have retained Shadab Khan and their new trade, Naseem Shah, in the Platinum category. Imad Wasim, who joined from Karachi Kings, has been named as the team’s Mentor in the Diamond category, with Faheem Ashraf appointed as Brand Ambassador.
Multan Sultans are keeping their captain Mohammad Rizwan, ICC’s second-ranked T20I batter, in the Platinum category. The Sultans’ Iftikhar Ahmed, acquired through a trade, also finds a place in Platinum, with HBL PSL 2023 player of the tournament Ihsanullah retained in Silver.
Karachi Kings have retained Shan Masood and Shoaib Malik in Gold, with Masood also taking the role of Brand Ambassador and Malik as team Mentor. Mir Hamza has been retained in Silver following a successful relegation request.
Quetta Gladiators have kept Rilee Rossouw in Platinum and Wanindu Hasaranga in Diamond. Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Abrar Ahmed, acquired through trades, are retained in Diamond and Gold respectively. Sarfaraz Ahmed is appointed as Brand Ambassador and retained in Gold.
Peshawar Zalmi has retained Babar Azam and Rovman Powell in Platinum, with Mohammad Haris in Gold, also serving as the Brand Ambassador.
The retentions have led to several changes in draft pick orders. Multan Sultans will have the first pick in the first round of the Platinum category following trades with Quetta Gladiators. Islamabad United and Karachi Kings have also exchanged their first-round silver picks owing to player movements.
The franchises will have the Right to Match Card during the draft, allowing them to pick any player released from their roster. The full list of retained players across all categories for each franchise has been disclosed, setting the stage for a competitive draft and an exciting PSL season.