HBL PSL 2024 Retentions Unveiled: Franchises Gear Up for 13 December’s Draft Day

The anticipation for the HBL PSL 2024 is building up as all six franchises finalize their trades and player retentions. The stage is set for the HBL PSL Player Draft 2024, slated for December 13 at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars: Afridi to Lead, Rauf as Brand Ambassador

Reigning champions Lahore Qalandars have strategically retained their captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, in the Platinum category. Adding flair to their Diamond category, Haris Rauf is not just a bowler but also the team’s brand ambassador. The Gold category boasts ICC’s sixth-ranked T20I all-rounder Sikandar Raza. However, second-ranked T20I bowler Rashid Khan, though retained in Silver, may miss the tournament due to injury.

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan Stays, Imad Wasim Takes Mentor Role

Two-time champions Islamabad United have secured the services of ICC’s eighth-ranked T20I all-rounder Shadab Khan in the Platinum category. The addition of Naseem Shah through a successful trade adds firepower. Notably, Imad Wasim, now in the Diamond category, takes on the role of team Mentor. Faheeem Ashraf, a Gold-category player, steps into the role of Brand Ambassador.

Multan Sultans: Rizwan Leads, Ihsanullah Brand Ambassador

Multan Sultans retain captain Mohammad Rizwan in the Platinum category and acquire Iftikhar Ahmed, a successful trade from Quetta Gladiators. Ihsanullah, HBL PSL 2023 player of the tournament, assumes the role of Brand Ambassador in the Silver category. Faisal Akram, from a successful trade with Karachi Kings, is retained in Emerging.

Karachi Kings: Shan Masood Brand Ambassador, Shoaib Malik Retained

Karachi Kings ensure continuity with Gold-category retentions, Shan Masood, and Shoaib Malik. Shan Masood, a recent trade for Faisal Akram, also takes on the role of Brand Ambassador. Mir Hamza, retained in Silver, adds depth to the squad.

Quetta Gladiators: Rossouw in Platinum, Hasaranga in Diamond

Quetta Gladiators maintain a strong lineup with the retention of world’s No.5 T20I batter Rilee Rossouw in Platinum and third-ranked T20I bowler Wanindu Hasaranga in Diamond. The squad sees further bolstering through trades with Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Abrar Ahmed in Diamond and Gold, respectively. Jason Roy, holding the highest individual score in HBL PSL history, is also retained in Diamond.

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam and Rovman Powell in Platinum

Peshawar Zalmi, recognizing the value of consistency, retains star batter Babar Azam in Platinum alongside West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell. Mohammad Haris, named Brand Ambassador, secures a spot in the Gold category.

Draft Day Dynamics and Pick Exchanges

Following the finalization of trades and retentions for PSL 2024, the dynamics of Draft Day have intriguing twists. Multan Sultans, having traded Iftikhar Ahmed with Quetta Gladiators, now holds the first pick in the first round of the Platinum category. Player movements, such as Naseem Shah’s shift to Islamabad United, have led to the exchange of draft picks.

Right to Match Cards and Local Player Picks

All franchises possess the Right to Match Cards, allowing them to reacquire any player released from their roster during the draft. Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators face the task of picking a local player in the Platinum category, adding another layer of strategy to the draft proceedings.

As the teams gear up for the HBL PSL 2024, the Player Draft promises to be a riveting affair, shaping the landscape of the upcoming season.

HBL PSL 2024 Teams and Players

Also read about: Quetta Gladiators Squad 2024

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