Pakistan Super League (PSL) has a rich history of providing a platform to the finest young talent the country has to offer. PSL 9 is set to feature an exciting new batch of talented players. From lethal fast bowlers and dexterous spinners to skillful batters, all players will look to prove themselves on the big stage.
1. Mohammad Zeeshan – Peshawar Zalmi
Mohammad Zeeshan is a formidable pace prospect, having shown his promise in the Pakistan U19 team. Aided by his towering height of 6 ft 8 inches, the right-arm fast bowler extracts extra bounce, spelling trouble for the opposition.
Zeeshan expressed his excitement, saying: “Being picked for Peshawar Zalmi was a big moment for me as PSL is amongst the best leagues in the world. I will be sharing the dressing room with and playing alongside Babar Azam, the best batter in the world, which I am really excited about.”
2. Saad Baig – Karachi Kings
Born and bred in Karachi, Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig will be representing his home city in the ninth edition of PSL. The wicketkeeper-batter led Pakistan U19 to the semi-finals of ICC U19 World Cup 2024.
Saad, reflecting on getting picked by Karachi Kings, said: “For any youngster, getting to play this league is a dream come true. I consider getting picked by Karachi Kings an achievement for myself, so it was a big moment for me.”
3. Ubaid Shah – Islamabad United
Right-arm pacer Ubaid Shah will be joining his brothers, Test cricketer Naseem Shah and first-class player Hunain Shah, at Islamabad United to strengthen the franchise’s pace battery. Since his debut for Pakistan U19, the pacer has become an indispensable asset to the side.
Ubaid Shah shared his excitement, saying: “It is very important to me that Islamabad United put their trust in me, and I hope to reciprocate their trust by performing to the best of my ability.”
4. Shamyl Hussain – Islamabad United
Shamyl Hussain, set to represent Islamabad United at PSL 9, is a top-order batter known for impressive strokeplay. The young left-handed batter, an avid fan of Brian Lara, says he has modeled his technique and shots after the West Indies batting legend.
Shamyl said: “I had been following the draft, and when I did not get picked in the emerging category, I felt my heart drop. To see my hard work pay off was the best feeling.”
5. Syed Faridoun – Lahore Qalandars
Syed Faridoun is a left-arm wrist spinner who will be representing Lahore Qalandars in PSL 9. As part of their Player Development Program, the franchise had sent Faridoun to represent Melbourne Stars at the Big Bash League in 2021.
Faridoun, hoping to play his debut game, said: “Your economy rate matters a lot in T20 cricket, so I always aim to restrict the flow of runs. I have gotten to share the dressing room with Rashid Khan in the past two years, so I have learned a lot from him.”
6. Faisal Akram – Multan Sultans
Faisal Akram, another left-arm wrist spinner, is set to represent Multan Sultans in the ninth edition of the PSL. Faisal was earlier picked by Karachi Kings in 2022, but warmed the bench in the previous two seasons.
Faisal Akram shared his excitement: “Multan is my home, so it feels great that I have been picked to represent the city. If I get the chance to play, I will give my 100 per cent on the field.”
7. Khawaja Mohammad Nafay – Quetta Gladiators
Khawaja Mohammad Nafay is a right-handed batter who was picked by Quetta Gladiators for the upcoming season of PSL. Nafay already has experience of participating in franchise-based leagues.
Nafay expressed his excitement: “Performing in this league paves the way for your selection to the national side. I am really excited to share space with Jason Roy, Mohammad Amir, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. I will have much to learn from these seasoned campaigners.”*
These emerging stars are poised to make their mark in PSL 9, showcasing their talent and skills on the grand stage, while learning from seasoned players and contributing to the rich tapestry of Pakistani cricket.
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