PSL 2024: Fakhar Zaman Reveals The Team That He Will Play For

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

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

However, Rashid Khan’s participation in the League is a subject of uncertainty due to his injury. Mirza Tahir Baig, successful in his relegation request, has also been retained in the Silver category. Despite these important retentions, the team surprisingly left experienced opener Fakhar Zaman.  However, Fakhar clarified the entire situation in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, stating, “They have just released me [as a formality], but I will continue to play for Lahore [Qalandars].”

Fakhar Zaman Could Be Retained Using The Right To Match Card

It’s worth noting that, each of the six teams possesses the Right to Match Card during the draft, enabling them to reclaim any player released from their roster, in line with established procedures. Fakhar Zaman could be retained for the defending champions if they use the RTM for the opener during the draft. The veteran opener also revealed that his manager handles his social media accounts.

Lahore Qalandars have won the PSL title two successive times and now they might be looking for a hat-trick of PSL trophies. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy for Lahore Qalandars got him the opportunity to lead the national side in T20Is. The retentions made by Lahore Qalandars look really good and they are no doubt a strong side with full potential to win the title for a third time in a row.

Full retentions:
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).