Cricket enthusiasts around the world are eagerly counting down the days to the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), slated to commence with the highly anticipated PSL 9 Draft scheduled for December 13, 2023. With a revamped player selection process and an impressive lineup of foreign players, the upcoming season promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.
PSL Draft Unveiled: How is it Different from IPL Auction?
In a departure from the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction model, PSL opts for a draft system where teams carefully select players from five distinct categories: Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Emerging. Each franchise is required to have a minimum of four Pakistani and four foreign players, forming squads ranging from 16 to 20 players.
Pick Order and Teams: Gladiators Lead the Charge
The Quetta Gladiators will take the lead in the draft, with the pick order determined by the inverse order of the previous season’s standings. A total of 254 foreign players have thrown their hat in the ring, setting the stage for a competitive selection process.
HBL PSL 9 Draft
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) November 20, 2023
Pick Order in action 🎥
Are you prepared for the ultimate cricket showdown… who will be the game-changer this season?? 🏆#HBLPSLDraft #HBLPSL9
Read more here: https://t.co/3WdXmaTuMi pic.twitter.com/zwYsIgJ4CB
Platinum category pick order:
- Quetta Gladiators
- Karachi Kings
- Islamabad United
- Peshawar Zalmi
- Multan Sultans
- Lahore Qalandars
Retained Players for PSL 2024: Franchises Lock in Key Talents
As teams gear up for PSL 9, five franchises have retained eight players each, while Peshawar Zalmi stands out by retaining seven. Notable retentions include Rashid Khan, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, showcasing a mix of local and international cricketing prowess.
Foreign Player Frenzy: 254 Players Ready to Shine
The PSL 9 draft has seen an overwhelming response from foreign players, with a record-breaking 254 registering for the upcoming season. Although prominent Australian names are notably absent, the platinum category boasts representation from various cricketing nations, particularly England.
PSL 9 Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
Mark your calendars from February 8 to March 24, 2024, as PSL 9 promises weeks of cricketing excitement. The draft, scheduled for December 13, will shape the destiny of teams as they strategize to build formidable squads.
PSL 9 Venue Debate: UAE and South Africa in the Running
As discussions about hosting arise, sources reveal that UAE and South Africa could potentially host initial matches due to elections in Pakistan. However, franchises are leaning towards an all-Pakistan event, emphasizing the desire to keep the tournament on home soil.
With the PSL 9 Draft just around the corner and a record number of foreign players ready to showcase their talent, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat. The anticipation is building, and the upcoming season promises to be a celebration of skill, strategy, and the love of the game. Stay tuned for more updates as the cricketing world gears up for PSL 9.