The excitement has reached its peak as the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Player Draft 2025 kicks off today at the historic Huzoori Bagh in Lahore Fort! Cricket fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting to see which international icons and domestic heroes will be selected to join their favorite franchises for what promises to be the most thrilling season yet. With the draft just hours away, all eyes are on the star-studded pool of players ready to take PSL by storm. So, who’s in and who’s out?
On one hand, the draft will feature some of the biggest names in world cricket, with global superstars like New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Adam Milne; Australia’s David Warner, Ashton Agar, and Usman Khawaja; England’s Alex Hales; and Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan all available for selection. These cricketing legends are sure to be in high demand, and their inclusion is bound to add immense firepower to whichever teams snap them up. As these big names enter the fray, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and all six franchises are sure to be eyeing their next big star.
But it’s not just about international stars. Pakistan’s cricket icons, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik, are making their long-awaited return to the draft after several years. Sarfaraz, who has been a mainstay for Quetta Gladiators since the league’s inception, will be making his first appearance in the draft since the inaugural edition, following his release by the Gladiators. Similarly, Shoaib Malik, a key player for Karachi Kings in past seasons, will be re-entering the draft for the first time, giving all six teams the chance to snatch up this seasoned all-rounder for a fresh start.
In addition to these marquee players, the draft pool is brimming with exciting, emerging talent from across the globe. From Kiwi stars like Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham to South Africa’s experienced T20I performers Imran Tahir, Reeza Hendricks, and Tabraiz Shamsi, there’s no shortage of players who can light up the PSL stage. The West Indies’ Jason Holder and Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rehman are also among the sought-after players, adding depth and variety to the draft. The international mix is complemented by rising Pakistani talents such as Mohammad Nawaz, Aamir Jamal, and Mohammad Hasnain, all of whom are looking to make their mark in the 2025 season.
Adding to the intrigue is the newly revised draft structure, which has stirred up strategies across franchises. With the Platinum categories consolidated into two tiers, the Diamond category now streamlined, and the Gold and Silver categories trimmed, the draft picks are more unpredictable than ever. The revised structure will certainly add an extra layer of excitement, as teams must now navigate these changes while trying to secure the right talent to strengthen their squads.
PSL CEO Salman Naseer is equally excited about the potential of the draft, stating, “With an incredible lineup of global superstars and national heroes, the PSL 2025 Player Draft promises to be a game-changer. I have no doubt the franchises will be fighting hard to secure these top talents.”
As the final countdown to the draft begins, cricket fans around the world are buzzing with anticipation, wondering which players will be the game-changers for their teams. Who will land the top picks? Which emerging stars will make a mark in PSL’s 10th edition? With so many big names up for grabs and a revamped draft structure, the competition for spots is sure to be fierce.
Today is the day when history will be made, as the final squads for the 2025 season take shape. Who’s in, who’s out—stay tuned, because this year’s PSL Draft will be one for the ages!