The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has elevated five cricketers, including national T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, to the Platinum category for the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, it was announced today. The confirmation of category renewals for 89 local players precedes the league”s first-ever Player Auction, scheduled for 11 February, where franchises will finalise their squads.
According to a PCB report today, joining Salman Ali Agha in the top tier are Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, and Abrar Ahmed. Notably, Sahibzada Farhan makes a significant leap from the Gold category, while the other four have been upgraded from the Diamond division.
A group of 11 high-profile athletes, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, have successfully retained their Platinum status from the previous season. This esteemed group also includes Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Amir.
Under the revised regulations for the tournament, each franchise will be permitted to retain a maximum of four players, with a restriction of one cricketer per category. After the retention window closes, teams will complete their rosters at the inaugural player auction.
The Diamond category will feature 11 cricketers, with Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans each represented by three players. Three players have been elevated into this bracket from Gold: Mohammad Salman Mirza, Sufyan Moqim, and Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
A total of 32 players have been assigned to the Gold category for the upcoming season, with Karachi Kings listing the highest number of athletes at eight. In the Silver category, Multan Sultans lead with seven players.
Several young prospects have seen their status upgraded, with five players including Hunain Shah and Ubaid Shah moving from the Emerging to Silver category. Hasan Nawaz made a more substantial jump, advancing from the Emerging category directly to Gold after his performance in HBL PSL X.