Many Top Players Changed Teams before PSL 10 Draft
The PSL 2025 Draft is just around the corner, and the announcement of the Platinum category is imminent. Once the Platinum picks are revealed, we will be able to assess which players are likely to anchor the ship for different franchises. However, some developments are already confirmed. Reports suggest that a few players are in advanced talks with various franchises, with deals almost finalized. That said, the exact requirements of each team will only become clear once the Platinum category is officially unveiled.
While it is expected that franchises already have access to the complete list of Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver category players, these lists have not yet been made public. As the Platinum players are announced, I’ll provide a detailed breakdown of team needs and strategies. For instance, Islamabad United has retained two Pakistani players in the top three categories. Naturally, this means their third pick will likely be a foreign player. They are currently in need of an opener and a fast bowler, so they will look for the best options in the Platinum category, either as a bowler or an opener, and possibly explore Diamond-level overseas players.
Some franchises that have retained foreign players will need to focus on local talent, adding a layer of complexity to their draft strategy. For example, rumors are circulating that Faheem Ashraf is moving from Islamabad United to Quetta Gladiators. This move seems to be progressing since he wasn’t retained by Islamabad and has entered the draft pool.
Similarly, Karachi Kings appear keen on acquiring Abbas Afridi in the Diamond category and are in discussions for the same. Additionally, Shoaib Malik, who was with Karachi Kings in the last two seasons, might join Quetta Gladiators this time around, with negotiations reportedly underway. Aamir Jamal, as reported by a local TV channel (Samaa TV), prefers to be picked in the Diamond category; otherwise, he may skip the tournament if placed in a lower tier. However, given his recent performances, one could argue that his current form doesn’t justify a higher-tier selection.