The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its decision to hold the Pakistan Super League PSL draft in Balochistan for the first time in the league’s history.
According to the announcement, the draft will take place in Gwadar, the port city of Pakistan’s largest province, on January 11, 2025.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described Gwadar as a region of strategic importance and stunning coastal beauty. He stated that hosting the HBL PSL Player Draft in Gwadar would showcase the city’s cultural and economic significance while celebrating cricket, a sport that unites Pakistan. Naqvi also welcomed all franchises and stakeholders to Gwadar, calling it a significant step toward the tenth edition of the league.
This decision is part of PCB’s strategy to expand the league beyond the major cities of Pakistan. The initiative also aims to inspire the local community and encourage the youth of Balochistan to pursue cricket as a professional sport.
HBL PSL chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer expressed his excitement about the decision, emphasizing that hosting the PSL draft in Gwadar reflects the league’s commitment to broadening its reach and promoting Pakistan’s natural beauty. He added that PSL represents Pakistan’s spirit, talent, and charm and hoped this move would inspire aspiring cricketers from Balochistan and beyond.
The PCB has scheduled the announcement for player relegation and retention for the end of December. The registration window for overseas players to declare their availability for PSL 10 has already been opened.
Additionally, PCB has revealed category renewals for 87 local players ahead of the upcoming season. Notable promotions to the platinum category include Karachi Kings’ Hasan Ali, Quetta Gladiators’ Mohammad Amir, Peshawar Zalmi’s Saim Ayub, and Multan Sultans’ Usama Mir. These players join other top-tier cricketers such as Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah (Islamabad United), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans), and Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi), all of whom have been retained in the premium category.
The diamond category features 16 players, including veteran players Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik, and Shan Masood.
Hosting the PSL draft in Gwadar is a landmark decision that highlights Balochistan’s importance while furthering the league’s mission to unite the nation through cricket.
