The player draft for the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has concluded, with all six franchises finalizing their squads. However, several high-profile international and local players went unsold, surprising fans and cricket analysts alike.
Unsold International Stars
Some notable international players who remained unpicked include:
- Tim Southee (New Zealand)
- Usman Khawaja (Australia)
- Jason Roy and Alex Hales (England)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)
- Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Other prominent international names such as Ashton Agar, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Neesham, Tymal Mills, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Imran Tahir also failed to secure contracts.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Misses Out
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led Quetta Gladiators to their only PSL title, was not picked by any franchise. Speculation about his return to Quetta or selection by Karachi Kings did not materialize, leaving the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman without a team for PSL 10.
Local Talent Left Unsold
A significant number of local players also remained unpicked, including:
- Sahibzada Farhan, Umar Akmal, Imam-ul-Haq, and Sharjeel Khan
- Promising pacers Shahnawaz Dahani, Ihsanullah, Musa Khan, and Arshad Iqbal
- Spinners like Usman Qadir and Yasir Shah
- Experienced all-rounders Amad Butt and Amir Yamin
Emerging stars such as Mirza Tahir Baig and Qasim Akram were also overlooked despite their strong domestic performances.
Franchises’ Focus
The draft reflected the franchises’ focus on securing younger and in-form players, with teams prioritizing balanced combinations over big names. Many fans were surprised at the exclusion of seasoned players, but franchise strategies appear to center on long-term development and fresh talent.
PSL 10 promises to deliver another thrilling season despite the absence of some iconic cricketing figures.