The anticipation for the ninth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reached new heights as several teams make strategic moves to reinforce their squads. The Replacement Draft, conducted over a conference call on Monday, witnessed the addition of supplementary and replacement players to the six participating teams.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Tactical Swaps:
Peshawar Zalmi, dealing with unavailability issues, made calculated choices during the draft. In the silver category, Waqar Salamkheil was drafted to replace Lungi Ngidi, who won’t be available for the entire season. Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad’s partial availability led to the selection of Arshad Iqbal as his replacement. Gus Atkinson steps in for Noor Ahmed, while the explosive Shamar Joseph takes the role of a partial replacement for Gus Atkinson.
Lahore Qalandars’ Strategic Reservations:
Lahore Qalandars strategically reserved picks for Rashid Khan, fully unavailable, and Dan Lawrence, partially unavailable, ensuring a balanced and competitive squad for the upcoming season.
Islamabad United and Karachi Kings:
Islamabad United, looking ahead, reserved their pick for Tom Curran. Karachi Kings secured Zahid Mehmood as a partial replacement for Kieron Pollard, holding onto their pick for Tim Seifert, who will join the team after the conclusion of the New Zealand T20Is.
Quetta Gladiators’ Squad Adjustments:
Quetta Gladiators faced the challenge of replacing Wanindu Hasaranga due to international commitments. Bismillah Khan steps in as the replacement for the Sri Lankan sensation.
Supplementary Picks Highlight:
The third supplementary round witnessed strategic picks as Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United secured left-arm pacers Luke Wood and Obed McCoy, respectively. Karachi Kings added English batter Leus De Plooy, while Lahore Qalandars brought in the talented Sri Lankan Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
Multan Sultans, in the fifth pick of the third round, acquired the experienced West Indian wicketkeeper-batter Johnson Charles. Quetta Gladiators added English batter Laurie Evans with the last pick of the round.
Exciting Fourth Round Additions:
The fourth round saw Multan Sultans securing the promising 19-year-old Muhammad Shahzad, a standout performer in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2022. Islamabad United added the explosive batsman Haider Ali to their lineup.
Quetta Gladiators opted to reserve their pick in the fourth round. Peshawar Zalmi selected left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, Lahore Qalandars picked Tayyab Abbas from their player development program, and Karachi Kings drafted the 21-year-old Mohammad Rohid to complete the fourth round.
As the teams finalize their squads, the HBL PSL 9 promises to be a thrilling spectacle with a perfect blend of experienced players and emerging talents contributing to the excitement on the cricketing field. The stage is set for a season filled with intense competition, strategic maneuvers, and unforgettable moments.
Arshad Hussain 
Maria Ghanchi