Fakhar Zaman has made it clear whether he will play for the Lahore Qalandars in the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024). The six franchises have finalized their player retentions and trades before the HBL PSL Player Draft 2024. The draft is scheduled to take place on December 13 at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars, the defending champions and winners of the last two seasons, have retained their captain Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Platinum category. Haris Rauf, who has been appointed as the team’s brand ambassador, is in the Diamond category. Sikandar Raza, a key all-rounder, has remained in the Gold category, while Afghan spin master Rashid Khan remains in the Silver category.

However, Rashid Khan’s participation in the League is a matter of uncertainty due to his injury. Mirza Tahir Baig, who achieved relegation, also remains in the Silver category. Despite these important retentions, the team surprisingly dropped experienced opener Fakhar Zaman. However, Fakhar clarified the entire situation in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, stating: “They just let me go [as a formality]but I will continue playing in Lahore [Qalandars].”

Fakhar Zaman could be retained using the Right to Match card

It is worth noting that each of the six teams holds the Right to Play Card during the draft, allowing them to claim any player released from their roster, in accordance with established procedures. Fakhar Zaman could be retained for the defending champions if they use the RTM for the first game during the draft. The veteran opener also revealed that his manager manages his social media accounts.

Lahore Qalandars have won the PSL title twice in a row and could now be looking for a hat-trick of PSL trophies. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy at Lahore Qalandars gave him the opportunity to lead the national team in T20Is. The retentions made by Lahore Qalandars seem really good and they are certainly a strong team with all the potential to win the title for the third time in a row.

Full withholdings:
Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador) and David Wiese (both Diamond), Sikandar Raza, Abdullah Shafique and Zaman Khan (all Gold), Mirza Tahir Baig (Successful Relegation Request) and Rashid Khan (both Silver).