Babar, Shaheen Retained in Platinum as Multan Sultans Release Rizwan Ahead of Historic PSL Auction

Several leading Pakistan stars, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have been retained in the Platinum category as Pakistan Super League franchises announced their player retentions ahead of the league’s first-ever auction, scheduled for February 11.

Babar Azam will continue with Peshawar Zalmi, while Shaheen Shah Afridi remains the face of Lahore Qalandars. Islamabad United have retained Shadab Khan, Quetta Gladiators opted for Abrar Ahmed, and Karachi Kings kept Hasan Ali, completing the list of Platinum retentions.

In a major development, Multan Sultans became the only franchise not to retain a single player, releasing even their captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The move signals a complete squad overhaul for the former champions heading into the auction.

Among the existing teams, Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore Qalandars, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings have retained four players each, while Islamabad United retained three. The two new franchises, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, are yet to announce their retentions and are expected to do so by February 7.

Lahore Qalandars retained Abdullah Shafique in the Diamond category, all-rounder Sikandar Raza in Gold, and Mohammad Naeem in Silver, alongside Afridi. Quetta Gladiators focused on spin, naming Abrar Ahmed as their Platinum pick and Usman Tariq in Diamond, while also retaining Hasan Nawaz (Gold) and emerging batter Shamyl Hussain.

Peshawar Zalmi will see Babar Azam joined by Sufiyan Muqeem (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), and emerging pacer Ali Raza. Islamabad United paired Shadab Khan with Salman Irshad (Gold) and USA-based wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous (Silver), notably opting not to retain any player in the Diamond or Emerging categories.

Karachi Kings retained Mohammad Abbas Afridi in Diamond, Khushdil Shah in Gold, and young wicketkeeper Saad Baig as an Emerging player, alongside Hasan Ali.

All retained players, as well as those selected in the auction, will sign two-year contracts with their respective franchises. Teams are permitted to assemble squads of 16 to 20 players, including five to seven overseas players, and must include at least one local under-23 player who has not previously featured in the PSL.

Each franchise has an auction purse of PKR 450 million (approximately USD 1.6 million), which can be extended to PKR 505 million (USD 1.8 million) to facilitate one direct signing outside the auction. Sialkot Stallionz became the first team to exercise this option, securing Australia’s Steven Smith ahead of the auction.

With high-profile releases and the introduction of an auction system, the upcoming PSL season promises significant squad reshuffles and heightened anticipation among fans.