Islamabad United, a franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), reportedly spent Rs. 45 million to secure the services of national team fast bowler Naseem Shah, as per Cricket Pakistan. Naseem Shah, who previously played for Quetta Gladiators, has now been signed by Islamabad United in a swift move. The transfer involved a swap deal with Islamabad United sending all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Junior and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed to the Gladiators.
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Additionally, the exchange extended to the platinum picks in the PSL draft, with Islamabad United’s first-round platinum pick being traded for the Gladiators’ third-round platinum pick. These strategic player movements are part of the team-building process leading up to the upcoming PSL event.
The PSL draft is scheduled for December 13, 2023, at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. The flagship event is tentatively set to be held from February 8 to March 24, 2024. There have been speculations about the event’s venues, with rumors circulating that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has provided franchises with two schedules—one with four venues and another with two venues. This has caused concern for Peshawar Zalmi, as they are advocating for their home ground, Arbab Niaz Stadium, to be included as a venue in the upcoming PSL.
In preparation for PSL 9, the announcement of player retentions is slated for December 7, 2023. Each franchise is allowed to retain up to eight players, giving them a few more days to make decisions and finalize their player rosters. As the anticipation builds, cricket enthusiasts await the unfolding of strategic moves and exciting player lineups in the upcoming PSL season.
