The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 retentions, with franchises locking in their core players ahead of what promises to be a fascinating auction phase.
And while most teams have played it safe with four retentions each, there’s one notable exception. Islamabad United have retained only three players, while every other existing franchise has kept four.
Meanwhile, the two newest additions to the league, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, are still waiting in the wings. They are set to announce their own retentions by Saturday, 7 February.
Lahore Qalandars
Shaheen Shah Afridi, the only captain to win the PSL three times, remains the centrepiece of Lahore Qalandars. He’s been retained in the Platinum category, which is exactly where you would expect him to be.
But the retention list is not just about Shaheen. The Qalandars have also retained Abdullah Shafique in Diamond, which feels like a strong long-term call.
And then comes the fan-favourite overseas presence. Sikandar Raza will continue with Lahore in the Gold category, while Mohammad Naeem, the emerging player of PSL 10, has been retained in Silver.
Quetta Gladiators
If there is one franchise that looks like it has absolutely nailed the retention window, it’s Quetta. The Gladiators have made what many would call the best set of retentions for PSL 11, and honestly, it’s hard to argue.
They have kept Abrar Ahmed in Platinum, which is a serious statement. Mystery spin wins you matches in PSL, especially when pitches start slowing down later in the tournament.
Then they’ve retained Usman Tariq in Diamond, Hasan Nawaz (PSL 10 player of the tournament) in Gold, and left-handed batter Shamyl Hussain in the Emerging category.
Peshawar Zalmi
Some players are not just cricketers for a team; they are the team. For Peshawar Zalmi, that player is Babar Azam.
The leading run-getter in PSL history, and one of only two players to feature in 100 PSL matches, has been retained in the Platinum category by the 2017 champions. No surprise there, but it still matters. In a league where squads change quickly, Zalmi keeping Babar keeps their identity intact.
Alongside him, Zalmi have retained Sufyan Moqim in Diamond, Abdul Samad in Gold, and pacer Ali Raza in the Emerging category.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United have retained Shadab Khan in Platinum, which means his story with the franchise continues. His journey is now entering the decade mark, and for United fans, that continuity is priceless.
But the bigger talking point is that Islamabad retained only three players.
Their other two retentions are fast bowler Salman Irshad in Gold and USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous in Silver.
That’s it. No fourth retention. And that decision could either look genius after the auction, or risky if the market doesn’t fall their way. Either way, Islamabad have added drama to PSL 11 before the auction has even begun.
Karachi Kings
Hasan Ali, the leading wicket-taker in PSL history, has been retained in the Platinum category. For Karachi, that’s a massive boost because Hasan brings energy, experience, and the ability to win games in a two-over spell.
The Kings have also retained Mohammad Abbas Afridi in Diamond, Khushdil Shah in Gold, and Saad Baig in the Emerging category.
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