Pakistan Super League franchises have announced their retained players for the 11th season, marking a major shift in the league’s player selection process.
For the first time in PSL history, the traditional draft system has been replaced by an auction-based model. Under the new format, franchises are permitted to retain only one player per category instead of up to eight, with the remaining squad to be assembled through auction.
The retention lists for PSL 11 were unveiled on Tuesday.
Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings retained fast bowler Hasan Ali in the Platinum category. Abbas Afridi was retained in Diamond, Khushdil Shah in Gold, and Saad Baig in the Emerging category.
The franchise confirmed the release of captain David Warner.
Lahore Qalandars
Defending champions Lahore Qalandars retained captain Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Platinum category. Abdullah Shafique was kept in Diamond, all-rounder Sikandar Raza in Gold, and young batter Mohammad Naeem in Silver.
The franchise released Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman from the Platinum category.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United retained Shadab Khan in the Platinum category. Salman Irshad was retained in Gold, while Andries Gous remained in the Silver category.
The franchise released Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim from Platinum. Azam Khan, Haider Ali and Ruman Raees were released from Gold, while Mohammad Faizan and Haneen Shah were released from Silver.
Quetta Gladiators
Quetta Gladiators retained Abrar Ahmed in the Platinum category, Usman Tariq in Diamond, Hasan Nawaz in Gold, and Hussain Talat in the Emerging category.
The franchise released Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf from Platinum, while Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim Jr were released from Diamond. Several players were also released from Gold and Emerging categories.
Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi retained captain Babar Azam in the Platinum category. Sufyan Muqeem was retained in Diamond, Abdul Samad in Gold, and Ali Raza in the Emerging category.
The franchise confirmed the release of Saim Ayub.
It may be noted that the deadline for retaining players ahead of the auction for the league’s two new franchises is 6 February.
