PSL 9 season draft:  Ceremony for players’ selection concludes

Lahore: The final preparations for the forthcoming 9th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are in full swing, with the player selection draft ceremony concluded at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Wednesday.

 The tournament is set to commence in February next year.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially confirmed that the 9th edition of the PSL would be hosted in four cities: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan. The anticipation is building as teams gear up for the player draft.

In the draft proceedings, the Multan Sultans team took the lead by making the first pick in the Platinum category, opting for England's left-arm bowler David Willey. Despite not holding onto any players in the top bracket during the retention window, the Karachi Kings secured Caribbean all-rounder Kieron Pollard in their lineup.

? ??? ??? ????? ???? ???? ?????? ?

More details ➡️ https://t.co/VgNlbNQtFq#HBLPSL9 #HBLPSLDraft pic.twitter.com/zKBUptX8Ni

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) December 13, 2023

A significant trade unfolded as Quetta Gladiators exchanged their first Platinum pick with Multan Sultans, involving players Naseem Shah and Rilee Rossow. This exchange resulted in Quetta Gladiators acquiring the services of left-arm quick Mohammad Amir.

Peshawar Zalmi strategically focused on reinforcing their spin bowling department by adding Afghanistan’s emerging spinner Noor Ahmed to their squad. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars, who released star opener Fakhar Zaman during the retention window, made a strategic move by re-selecting him as their first Platinum pick.

In the second Platinum round, Lahore Qalandars chose South Africa’s batter Russie Van der Dussen, while Islamabad drafted England's promising talent, Jordan Cox. Karachi Kings made significant acquisitions by securing Australian all-rounders Daniel Sams and Mohammad Nawaz from Australia and Pakistan, respectively, enhancing the depth and versatility of their squad.