In a surprising move, Babar Azam has moved to Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the next edition of PSL. The Karachi-based franchise traded its skipper for Shoaib Malik and Haider Ali. Babar Azam spent a notable time with Karachi Kings in the PSL. However, the Kings have opted to form their core with Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik letting Azam go for good. Consequently, in the Peshawar Zalmi, Azam has landed the platinum deal being their first pick of this season’s draft.
Babar Azam joined PSL with Islamabad United in 2016. Spending the opening season with United, Azam eventually moved to the Karachi Kings for the next season. Ultimately, Azam spent the rest of his time in PSL with the Kings. Consequently, the Kings named Azam their captain in 2021 replacing Imad Wasim. Babar Azam boasts an impressive record in the PSL being the only player to score par 2000 runs in the tournament ever. However, despite illustrious individual records, Azam failed to lead the Kings to the playoffs as their captain.
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Now, for Karachi Kings, Haider Ali is currently the only player slated in the Platinum category. Shoaib Malik, subsequently, has landed in the diamond category with Imad Wasim. The trade and retention window is now open for the 2024 season of PSL. The teams can have 8 players during this window, and Peshawar Zalmi has already found their first seven for the season. Besides the core of Pakistani players, 493 overseas players have put in their names for the PSL Drafts. Notable names include Aaron Finch, David Miller, and Jimmy Neesham among others.
The next season of PSL is slated to commence on February 9. And it will ultimately unfold at 4 venues across Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan till March 19th. Meanwhile, the Pakistani national team is currently in Australia overlooking the T20 World Cup final. The men in green will go against Jos Buttler-led England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to lay a claim on the trophy on Sunday, 13th November.
