Karachi Kings to retain five players only ahead of PSL 9 draft: report

Karachi Kings have decided to retain five players only ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine's draft.

As per local media, James Vince, Hasan Ali (traded from Islamabad United), Shoaib Malik, Mir Hamza, and Tabraiz Shamsi will be the Kings' retentions.

The PSL 2020 champions will not retain Mohammad Amir, who has been part of the Kings since the inaugural season.

Additionally, there's speculation surrounding the potential transfer of batter Tayyab Tahir to another team, hinting at a possible trade deal in the works.

Last week, the Kings traded their last edition's skipper Imad Wasim to Islamabad United in place of Hasan Ali.

“HBL PSL 5 winning captain Imad Wasim will don Islamabad United colours in the ninth edition of the tournament. Imad, who was named as the All-Rounder of HBL PSL 8, has been snapped by Islamabad United in the Platinum category,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a brief press release.

“Hasan Ali (Diamond category) moves to Karachi Kings. By virtue of this player trade, Karachi Kings have received Islamabad United’s first round silver pick in exchange for their second round silver pick,” it added.

On the other hand, a record-breaking 254 foreign players have registered for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, according to The News.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up for the ninth edition of the PSL and a significant number of foreign players have actively expressed their availability for the tournament.

According to an official, the list includes players from various cricketing nations with a notable absence of prominent Australian names in the registration for PSL 9.

Among the registered players, 20 fall under the platinum category, with a significant representation from England.

The PSL draft will take place at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

PSL 9 is tentatively scheduled from 8 February to 24 March 2024.

The process of local player category renewals for the upcoming ninth edition of the tournament was completed on November 10 with categories upgraded for nine players.

The registration window for foreign players was opened on October 25 with several top players across the globe showing interest.

The trade and retention window is currently open.

Earlier, it was reported that two countries are in the running to host some matches of the PSL 9.

According to sources, UAE and South Africa could host the initial matches of PSL due to elections in Pakistan.

However, sources added that the majority of the franchises are insisting that the entire event should take place in Pakistan.