With just days remaining before the start of the 2025 season, the six franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have confirmed their player retentions, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Players Draft on January 11. This year's draft will see each team select from an available pool of players to bolster their squads as they compete for supremacy.
The PSL, which has become one of the most entertaining Twenty20 leagues globally, allows franchises to retain up to eight players from their previous rosters. Notably, the defending champions, Islamabad United, alongside Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars, have fully utilized their retention quotas. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Peshawar Zalmi opted to retain seven players each.
Islamabad United has retained its captain Shadab Khan, widely regarded as one of the league's elite all-rounders, along with fast bowler Naseem Shah, both placed in the Platinum category. Shadab's incredible performance last season, winning the Player of the Tournament award, ensures his pivotal role continues with the franchise. The side has also secured the services of pivotal players like Imad Wasim (also named mentor) and Azam Khan (Diamond), followed by Haider Ali and Salman Ali Agha (Gold), with Colin Munro and Rumman Raees slotted as Silver category players.
The Multan Sultans, who finished as runners-up during the last season of PSL, have kept their captain Mohammad Rizwan and leg-spinner Usama Mir at the forefront by retaining them both in the Platinum category. Notable inclusions are David Willey, who will be serving as the team’s mentor, Iftikhar Ahmed (Brand Ambassador), and Usman Khan, retained under Diamond. Their Gold and Silver categories feature Chris Jordan and Faisal Akram, respectively, reflecting the team's strategic retention of seasoned talent and promising young players.
Peshawar Zalmi, having faced ups and downs over the years, has retained renowned players including their captain Babar Azam—the leading run-scorer in PSL history!—alongside promising batsman Saim Ayub, both listed under Platinum. They also support their bowling attack with Mohammad Haris retained under Diamond and three impressive spinners—Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, and Sufyan Moqim—capturing the Silver slots for the side, where Sufyan is recognized as the Brand Ambassador.
The Quetta Gladiators retained eight valuable assets, including Rilee Rossouw, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Amir (mentor) under Diamond. The Gold slots saw Akeal Hosein join Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Wasim Jnr., effectively covering all bases on the field. Khawaja Nafay and Usman Tariq remain available within Silver, bolstering the team's depth.
For the Karachi Kings, the retention of Hasan Ali and James Vince under Diamond category augurs well. Veteran skipper Shan Masood and the up-and-coming player Muhammad Irfan Khan hold the Gold slots, whereas Arafat Minhas serves as the Kings’ Brand Ambassador within Silver, indicating the franchise's focus on nurturing talent as part of its long-term vision.
The Lahore Qalandars continue their impressive performance streak by retaining world-class players such as Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman—both bestowed with the Platinum honor. Haris Rauf and Sikandar Raza amplify their squad's prowess within Diamond, and Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, and Zaman Khan solidify their standing under Gold, alongside David Wiese stationed within Silver.
Some noteworthy changes include various categories demoted by certain players upon requests, which hints at strategic repositioning and potential reforms within team rosters. Notable demotions feature Rumman Raees for Islamabad United and Faisal Akram from Multan Sultans, showing shifts aimed at team optimization.
Franchises have successfully navigated the challenges posed by maintaining squad depth and competitiveness. The inclusion of high-profile overseas players—such as New Zealand’s Colin Munro with United and England’s Chris Jordan with Sultans—highlights the PSL’s growing appeal and competitiveness on the international stage.
Lastly, with the PSL 2025 Draft looming, anticipation builds as franchises prepare to fill positions left vacant, welcoming some of the world's best international talents to showcase their skills as they vie for glory this season. The players available include recognized names like Dawid Malan, Luke Wood, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, alongside exciting prospects from Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, confirming the PSL’s reputation as an exciting and diverse competition.
With such strategic retention underlining the franchises’ directions moving forward, the upcoming draft is sure to reveal numerous surprises as teams look to claim their place at the forefront of PSL history once again.