The fifth-season champions, Karachi Kings, have struck a significant deal with Multan Sultans just ahead of the PSL draft set for December 13.
Multan Sultans’ management has traded Shan Masood for the first pick in the Diamond category, securing the second pick in the Silver category, and the talented Multan-born left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram.
In return, Karachi Kings have obtained Multan Sultans fourth pick in the initial Diamond round.
With this deal, Multan Sultans now possess two early picks – the second and fourth selections – in the first Silver round.
This follows their earlier acquisition of the first Platinum pick through a trade with Quetta Gladiators.
Masood joined Multan Sultans back in the 2018 season and made his PSL debut in 2019 against Karachi Kings.
His leadership led the Sultans to top the league stage in the 2020 season, marking their first-ever playoff qualification. Across 42 matches, he has amassed 1,318 runs and played a pivotal role in Sultans’ title win in 2021.
Before this move, Karachi Kings had traded their previous edition’s captain, Imad Wasim, to Islamabad United in exchange for Hasan Ali.
The PCB announced, “Imad Wasim, the victorious captain of PSL 5, will now represent Islamabad United in the ninth edition, joining in the Platinum category as the All-Rounder of PSL 8. Hasan Ali, classified in the Diamond category, now joins Karachi Kings. This player trade sees Karachi Kings securing Islamabad United’s first-round silver pick for their own second round silver pick.”
The PSL season nine draft is scheduled at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. The tournament is tentatively slated from February 8 to March 24, 2024.
Recent reports indicate that UAE and South Africa might host the initial PSL matches due to Pakistan’s elections. However, most franchises are adamant that the entire event should be held in Pakistan.