As the anticipation for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) builds up, franchises have begun shaping their squads with player retentions. Each franchise has strategically selected a mix of experienced players and promising talents to strengthen their lineups.
Lahore Qalandars: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have retained a formidable lineup, including Shahid Afridi, Haris Rauf, David Wiese, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Zaman Khan, M. Tahir Bajwa, and Rashed Khan. Lahore Qalandars have also appointed fast bowler Haris Rauf as their brand ambassador.
Karachi Kings: Karachi Kings have retained James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shoaib Malik, Tabish Shamsi, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, and Muhammad Irfan Khan. Additionally, Shahnawaz Dahani has been appointed as the brand ambassador for Karachi Kings.
Peshawar Zalmi: Peshawar Zalmi has opted to retain key players, including Babar Azam, Romaine Powell, Saqib Mahmood, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mohammad Haris, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shehzad, and Hasib Allah Khan. Young batter Mohammad Haris has been named as the brand ambassador for Peshawar Zalmi.
Quetta Gladiators: Quetta Gladiators have retained Sarfaraz Ahmed, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Waseem Jr., Jason Roy, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, and Wallis Anish. Sarfaraz Ahmed has been designated as the brand ambassador for Quetta Gladiators.
Multan Sultans: Multan Sultans have retained Mohammad Rizwan, Iftekhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asam Shafique, Abbas Afridi, Ehsan Ali, and Faisal Akram for the upcoming season.
Islamabad United: Two-time champions Islamabad United have retained Shadab Khan, Nasim Shah, Asif Khan, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, and Roman Raees. Islamabad United has also named experienced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf as their brand ambassador.
The announcement of player retentions sets the stage for the PSL Season 9 draft, scheduled to take place on December 13 in Lahore. Teams will have the opportunity to further enhance their squads by selecting additional players, both local and international, during the draft.
Cricket enthusiasts and fans eagerly await the unfolding of team strategies as the PSL gears up for another thrilling season, promising exciting contests and memorable performances on the cricketing stage.
