Steve Smith, Joe Root among players shortlisted for PSL 10 draft
PCB are looking to attract top players for 2025 edition
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises have initially shortlisted big players for foreign categories belonging from Australia, England, South Africa and others for the tenth edition's draft.
According to sources, former Australian captain Steve Smith, New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee, and former England captain Joe Root are among the candidates targeted for the draft.
List of Players Targeted for PSL 10 Draft
Australia: Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Daniel Sams
England: Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Sam Billings
New Zealand: Tim Southee, Finn Allen, Colin Munro, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi
South Africa: Rassie Van Der Dussen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks
West Indies: Jason Holder
It must be noted PCB had earlier confirmed that, due to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 being held in the traditional event window, the event window for the PSL 2025 event will be April 7-May 20.
The PCB is also contemplating innovative changes to enhance the excitement of PSL matches from the next edition.
Among the proposals deliberated upon, one concept is of both the competing teams submitting two separate team sheets at the toss.
Following the outcome of the toss, teams would then select one of their provided lineups which will be considered as their final playing XI. This initiative is aimed to mitigate any disadvantage for the teams losing the toss.
In addition, another proposal that came under discussion was applying Power Surge, similar to Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
On the other hand, Lahore and Rawalpindi are set to host more matches than Karachi.
As per local media, Karachi has been given five matches in the draft schedule for PSL 2025. Meanwhile, Lahore will get a maximum of 10 matches and Rawalpindi eight. Multan will also get five matches during the event.
Karachi has been given less matches, as compared to this year, due to low turnout in the last season.
The PSL 2025 playoffs are set to be held at a neutral venue, which, in all probability, will be England.
During the course of the competition this year, Karachi had hosted 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators, and the final. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi each hosted nine matches. Multan, known as the city of saints, got five matches.
