The Pakistan Super League 2024 is set to witness a seismic shift in team compositions and strategies following the finalization of trades and retentions by all six franchises. The player movements promise an exciting and dynamic tournament as teams gear up for the much-anticipated Player Draft scheduled for 13 December 2023.
In a flurry of swaps and signings, several significant moves have altered team rosters. Karachi Kings, determined to fortify their squad, acquired Shan Masood and Hasan Ali while releasing left-arm wrist-spinner Faisal Akram. The seasoned duo of Naseem Shah and Imad Wasim has joined Islamabad United, amplifying the squad’s firepower. Multan Sultans have welcomed Iftikhar Ahmed to their ranks, adding depth and experience to their lineup. Meanwhile, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, and Abrar Ahmed have become integral members of the Quetta Gladiators’ squad.
While notable transfers have captured attention, core players remained loyal to their respective franchises. The likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shoaib Malik have been retained, underlining the teams’ commitments to stability and consistency.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Player Draft is sky-high, with 485 international players from 22 nations signed up for the event. Each franchise has meticulously strategized its picks, eyeing the best talent to strengthen their squads. The trading and retention window has not only reshaped teams but also set the stage for intense bidding and selection during the Draft.
Full retentions:
Lahore Qalandars (8) Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador) and David Wiese (both Diamond), Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique and Zaman Khan (all Gold), Mirza Tahir Baig (Successful relegation request) and Rashid Khan (both Silver).
Islamabad United (8) Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah (both Platinum), Imad Wasim (Mentor) and Azam Khan (both Diamond), Faheem Ashraf (Brand Ambassador), Alex Hales and Colin Munro (all Gold), Rumman Raees (Successful relegation request in Silver).
Multan Sultans (7) Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed (both Platinum), Khushdil Shah and Usama Mir (both Diamond), Abbas Afridi (Gold), Ihsanullah (Brand Ambassador, Silver), Faisal Akram (Emerging).
Karachi Kings (8) James Vince and Hasan Ali (Diamond), Shan Masood (Brand Ambassador), Shoaib Malik (Mentor) and Tabraiz Shamsi (all Gold), Mir Hamza (Successful relegation request) and Muhammad Akhlaq (both Silver), Muhammad Irfan Khan (Emerging).
Quetta Gladiators (8) Rilee Rossouw (Platinum), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Jason Roy and Wanindu Hasaranga (all Diamond), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Brand Ambassador) Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Hasnain (all Gold), Will Smeed (Silver).
Peshawar Zalmi (8) Babar Azam and Rovman Powell (both Platinum), Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (all Diamond), Mohammad Haris (Brand Ambassador) and Aamir Jamal (both Gold), Khurram Shahzad (Silver), Haseebullah (Emerging).
As the Player Draft approaches, cricket enthusiasts await the unveiling of fresh team combinations, eagerly anticipating the showdown between top international stars and local talents. The Pakistan Super League 2024 promises an enthralling blend of skill, strategy, and riveting cricket action, making it a spectacle not to be missed.
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