- Naseem Shah likely to leave Quetta Gladiators for Islamabad United in PSL 9.
In a surprising move ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, young pace sensation Naseem Shah appears set to trade in his Quetta Gladiators jersey for the colors of Islamabad United. Reports suggest that the 20-year-old cricketer has chosen not to renew his association with Quetta, leading to an agreement with Islamabad United that is said to be 90 percent finalized.
Sources indicate that Quetta Gladiators are eyeing hard-hitting batter Azam Khan as a potential replacement for Naseem Shah. Additionally, there are whispers of a possible trade involving Mohammad Wasim Jr moving to Gladiators. Naseem, a right-arm pacer, had been an integral part of the Gladiators squad since 2019, but personal reasons seem to have prompted his decision to part ways with the franchise.
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The Player Draft for PSL 9 is approaching, with Quetta Gladiators holding the first pick. Karachi Kings and two-time champions Islamabad United will follow suit with the second and third picks, respectively. Peshawar Zalmi and last season’s runners-up Multan Sultans will make the fourth and fifth picks, while Lahore Qalandars, winners of the past two editions, will conclude the first round with the sixth pick.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently unveiled the pick order for the Player Draft, tentatively scheduled to take place in mid-December following the conclusion of the National T20. The flagship event is slated to run from February 8 to March 24, 2024, pending finalization based on advice from the government of Pakistan due to the general election scheduled for February 8, 2024.
Notably, the process for the sale of PSL Media rights is gaining momentum as franchisees urge the PCB to expedite the proceedings. The decision to finalize the tournament dates will be made during the governing council’s meeting, taking into account the advice received from the government in light of the general election.
The anticipation for PSL 9 continues to build as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of team line-ups and the subsequent action-packed tournament.
