In preparation for the highly anticipated ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024), teams have made strategic moves in the Replacement Draft to strengthen their squads. The tournament, slated to kick off on February 17, will witness the inclusion of supplementary and replacement players across all six teams.
Peshawar Zalmi, making notable changes, secured the services of Waqar Salamkheil in the silver category, filling in for the unavailability of South African pacer Lungi Ngidi for the entire season. Additionally, the team addressed the partial availability of Khurram Shahzad by bringing in pacer Arshad Iqbal as his replacement in the silver category. Gus Atkinson stepped in to replace Noor Ahmed, and the team strategically reserved a pick for the replacement of the partially available Naveen ul Haq.
Lahore Qalandars, looking ahead to the season, opted to reserve their picks wisely. They kept spots open for the fully unavailable Rashid Khan and the partially unavailable Dan Lawrence, aiming to make impactful choices when needed.
Islamabad United, acknowledging the absence of Tom Curran from this edition, reserved their pick to address the void left by the English all-rounder. Karachi Kings, making calculated moves, brought in Zahid Mehmood as a partial replacement for the seasoned Kieron Pollard. They also kept a reserved pick for the New Zealand batsman Tim Seifert, who will join the squad after the conclusion of the T20Is against Pakistan.
Quetta Gladiators underwent a change as Bismillah Khan stepped in to replace Wanindu Hasaranga, who will leave the squad during the tournament due to international commitments.
The Supplementary Draft witnessed intriguing selections. Zalmi secured the talents of left-arm pacer Luke Wood in the first round, while Islamabad United added left-arm pacer Obed McCoy to their arsenal in the second round. Kings made a significant move by picking up English batter Leus De Plooy in the third round, and Qalandars strengthened their lineup with the inclusion of Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa in the same round.
Multan Sultans, with the fifth pick in the third round, acquired the experienced West Indian wicketkeeper-batter Johnson Charles. Quetta Gladiators completed the third round by drafting English batter Laurie Evans.
In the fourth round, Sultans continued their strategic approach by bagging the promising 19-year-old Muhammad Shahzad. United brought in the talented Haider Ali for his fifth HBL PSL season, adding depth to their batting lineup.
Gladiators kept their options open by reserving their pick, while Zalmi secured the services of left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem. Qalandars tapped into their player development program, selecting Tayyab Abbas, and Karachi Kings drafted the young Mohammad Rohid, completing the diverse set of supplementary picks across the league.
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All you need to know about PSL 9
