Naseem Shah, a star bowler for Pakistan, won’t be joining Quetta Gladiators for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine. He’s chosen to leave the team due to personal reasons. However, he’s set to join a new franchise, with Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United showing interest in having him on their roster.
Naseem’s player category got upgraded from diamond to platinum for the 2024 season in Quetta Gladiators after the local player categories were reviewed. The PCB and the franchises recently agreed to finalize the dates for PSL 2024 based on guidance from the Pakistani government during their council meeting.
The general election is scheduled for February 8, 2024, coinciding with the tentative schedule for PSL 9, set from February 8 to March 24. To navigate this overlap, both sides agreed to promptly seek advice from the Pakistani government to settle on the exact tournament dates.
Franchise owners also urged the PCB to speed up the process of selling PSL Media rights. Earlier reports suggested that the elections in Pakistan, UAE, and South Africa might host some initial matches of PSL 9. However, most franchise owners are adamant that the event should be held in Pakistan.
Additionally, the PCB has opened registration for foreign players to attract international talent for the tournament.