KARACHI: Major reshuffles are set to hit franchises ahead of the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League as the Pakistan Cricket Board has finalised new player retention rules, sharply reducing the number of players teams can keep from previous seasons.
Under the revised framework, each franchise will now be allowed to retain only four players — one each from the Platinum, Diamond, Gold and Silver categories — compared with eight in earlier editions. The PCB has also abolished the “Right to Match” option and the practice of retaining players as mentors or brand ambassadors.
The changes are aimed at creating balance ahead of the addition of two new teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, in PSL 11. The PCB said the new structure will allow the incoming franchises a fair opportunity to acquire top-tier players.
As a result, several high-profile names are expected to enter the draft pool. Islamabad United face a tough decision with Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz and Imad Wasim all placed in the Platinum category, meaning only one can be retained.
Lahore Qalandars will keep captain Shaheen Shah Afridi but will have to release Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf, both long-time pillars of the franchise.
Peshawar Zalmi must choose between star batter Babar Azam and rising opener Saim Ayub, who both fall in the Platinum tier.
Quetta Gladiators also face losing two of Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed, while Multan Sultans appear likely to retain Mohammad Rizwan as their Platinum player.
No franchise has formally objected to the revised retention policy, the PCB confirmed.