The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the player draft for the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held in Gwadar, Balochistan, marking the first time the event takes place in this city. The draft ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2025.
The PCB’s decision to host the draft in Gwadar is aimed at promoting cricket in the region and encouraging young people in Balochistan to pursue cricket professionally. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed that Gwadar’s coastal beauty and strategic significance represent the heart of Pakistan’s future economic growth. He emphasized that the event would highlight Gwadar’s cultural and economic importance and bring people together through the unifying power of cricket.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer stated that the move demonstrates the league’s commitment to reaching every part of Pakistan and showcasing the country’s beauty globally. He also mentioned that the event would inspire young cricketers, particularly from Balochistan, to dream big and pursue their passion for the sport.
The player retention and relegation process for the upcoming PSL season will be revealed by the end of December. Islamabad United, the most successful franchise in PSL history, will be aiming for a fourth title, following their recent win in the 2024 final. Lahore Qalandars, with two titles, and other teams like Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Multan Sultans, each with one title, will also compete for the championship.
The registration window for overseas players to confirm their participation in PSL 10 has already opened. Additionally, 87 local players have had their categories updated, with notable promotions, including Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings), Mohammad Amir (Quetta Gladiators), Saim Ayub (Peshawar Zalmi), and Usama Mir (Multan Sultans) moving to the platinum category. Other retained platinum players include Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam. The Diamond category will feature 16 players, including Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Shan Masood.
