Lahore, The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Player Draft for 2024 has concluded with several high-profile international cricketers set to make their debut in the tournament. The draft featured a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talents, making the upcoming season one to watch for cricket fans worldwide.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board, Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams was picked by Karachi Kings in the Platinum round, marking his HBL PSL debut. South African players Reeza Hendricks (Multan Sultans, Gold) and Lungi Ngidi (Peshawar Zalmi, Supplementary) are also among those making their first appearances in the league.
David Willey, an English all-rounder with significant T20 experience, was the first pick of the evening by Multan Sultans in the Platinum round. Peshawar Zalmi strengthened their bowling lineup by selecting Noor Ahmad, a young Afghan spinner. Islamabad United opted for Jordan Cox, an English wicketkeeper-batter.
Quetta Gladiators secured two Platinum picks: Sherfane Rutherford from the West Indies and Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir, both expected to bolster the team’s batting and bowling strengths. Karachi Kings chose West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard in their first round Platinum pick, followed by Daniel Sams and Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz.
Lahore Qalandars picked Fakhar Zaman as their first choice in Platinum, along with South African batter Rassie van der Dussen. The team also secured Sahibzada Farhan, the top run-getter in the National T20 Cup 2023-24, in the Diamond round.
Other notable picks included England’s Dawid Malan (Multan Sultans) and Tymal Mills (Islamabad United), New Zealand’s Tim Seifert (Karachi Kings), and Asif Ali (Peshawar Zalmi) in the Diamond category. Multan Sultans also picked Reeza Hendricks, while Quetta Gladiators chose West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein in the Supplementary round.
The draft witnessed some strategic moves, with Lahore Qalandars initially choosing Salman Irshad in the Silver round, only for Peshawar Zalmi to use their Right To Match (RTM) to retain the fast bowler. Similarly, Omair Bin Yousuf was initially picked by Islamabad United, but Quetta Gladiators exercised their RTM to keep the top-order batter.
The full squads for the six teams – Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Peshawar Zalmi – have been finalized, setting the stage for a competitive and exciting season of the HBL PSL.
The HBL PSL Player Draft 2024 highlights the league’s growing appeal and the PCB’s commitment to bringing top international talent to Pakistan’s premier T20 tournament.