The six HBL PSL 2025 franchises have finalized their player retentions ahead of the 2025 season. Each team was allowed to retain up to eight players from their previous squads, and all teams have made their choices.
The HBL PSL 2025 Players Draft will take place on January 11, 2025, and the season itself is set to run from April 8 to May 19, 2025. A total of 510 players from 19 countries have signed up for the draft.
Franchise Retention Overview
Each franchise could retain a maximum of eight players, but some teams chose to retain fewer. Islamabad United, for instance, retained a full squad of eight players, while Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, and Multan Sultans retained seven.
Retentions by Franchise
| Franchise | Retained Players | Key Retained Players |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | 8 | Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah |
| Multan Sultans | 7 | Mohammad Rizwan, Usama Mir |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 7 | Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris |
| Quetta Gladiators | 8 | Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Amir |
| Karachi Kings | 7 | Hasan Ali, James Vince |
| Lahore Qalandars | 8 | Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman |
Islamabad United Retention Highlights
Islamabad United have retained key players such as Shadab Khan, the captain, and Naseem Shah, the fast bowler. They’ve also kept other important players, including Colin Munro and Rumman Raees, ensuring their team stays competitive for the new season.
Islamabad United Retentions
| Category | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Shadab Khan | Captain |
| Platinum | Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler |
| Diamond | Imad Wasim (mentor) | All-rounder |
| Diamond | Azam Khan | Wicketkeeper/Batter |
| Gold | Salman Ali Agha | All-rounder/Brand Ambassador |
| Gold | Haider Ali | Batsman |
| Silver | Colin Munro | Batsman |
| Silver | Rumman Raees | Bowler |
Multan Sultans’ Retention Strategy
Multan Sultans, the previous season’s runners-up, have retained a strong squad. Mohammad Rizwan, the captain, and Usama Mir, a promising leg-spinner, continue in the Platinum category. David Willey and Iftikhar Ahmed are also important fixtures for the team.
Multan Sultans Retentions
| Category | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Mohammad Rizwan | Captain/Batter |
| Platinum | Usama Mir | Leg-spinner |
| Diamond | David Willey (mentor) | All-rounder |
| Diamond | Iftikhar Ahmed | All-rounder/Brand Ambassador |
| Diamond | Usman Khan | Opening Batter |
| Gold | Chris Jordan | Bowler |
| Silver | Faisal Akram | Bowler |
Peshawar Zalmi Retention Decisions
Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam, have kept their key players, including their star captain in Platinum. Saim Ayub, another promising talent, is also retained in the same category. Mohammad Haris remains in the Diamond category, ensuring their batting is in good shape.
Peshawar Zalmi Retentions
| Category | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Babar Azam | Captain/Batter |
| Platinum | Saim Ayub | Batsman |
| Diamond | Mohammad Haris | Wicketkeeper/Batter |
| Silver | Arif Yaqoob | Bowler |
| Silver | Mehran Mumtaz | Bowler |
| Silver | Sufyan Moqim | Bowler/Brand Ambassador |
| Emerging | Ali Raza | Bowler |
Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings Retentions
Quetta Gladiators have made smart moves by retaining key players like Rilee Rossouw and Mohammad Amir. Amir will also serve as the team’s mentor. Karachi Kings have kept some important players like Hasan Ali and James Vince, while they also retain young talents such as Muhammad Irfan Khan.
Quetta Gladiators Retentions
| Category | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Rilee Rossouw | Batsman |
| Diamond | Mohammad Amir (mentor) | Bowler |
| Diamond | Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
| Gold | Akeal Hosein | Bowler |
| Gold | Saud Shakeel (Brand Ambassador) | All-rounder |
| Gold | Mohammad Wasim Jnr | Bowler |
| Silver | Khawaja Mohammad Nafay | Batsman |
| Silver | Usman Tariq | Bowler |
Karachi Kings Retentions
| Category | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Hasan Ali | Bowler |
| Diamond | James Vince | Batsman |
| Gold | Muhammad Irfan Khan | All-rounder |
| Gold | Shan Masood | Batsman |
| Silver | Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador) | Bowler |
| Silver | Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper/Batter |
| Silver | Zahid Mehmood | Bowler |
Lahore Qalandars’ Key Retentions
Lahore Qalandars have retained two star players, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, in the Platinum category. Haris Rauf, a key bowler, is kept in the Diamond category. They’ve also made important moves with Abdullah Shafique and Zaman Khan in Gold.
Table: Lahore Qalandars Retentions
| Category | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
| Platinum | Fakhar Zaman | Batsman |
| Diamond | Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador) | Bowler |
| Diamond | Sikandar Raza | All-rounder |
| Gold | Abdullah Shafique | Batsman |
| Gold | Jahandad Khan | Batsman |
| Gold | Zaman Khan | Bowler |
| Silver | David Wiese | All-rounder |
Star International Players for Draft
The HBL PSL 2025 draft has attracted several star international players. Some of the notable foreign players include Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris Lynn, and Shakib Al Hasan, as well as players from countries like Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, and New Zealand.
Summary
With the player retention process now completed, the franchises are gearing up for the HBL PSL 2025 Players Draft. Teams have made strategic decisions to keep their key players, and the upcoming draft will determine how the teams fill the remaining spots. Fans can expect a thrilling season with international stars and local talent, making it a must-watch event in the cricketing calendar.
