PSL 2019: Karachi Kings Faces Selection Dilemma Ahead of Draft

The Karachi Kings recently faced a selection dilemma ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL 2019) draft especially with regards to the players retained in the platinum category.

Meanwhile, the board has also restricted each franchise to retain upto a maximum of ten players from their previous squad. They had kept a deadline of November 13 for submitting the same. However, the remaining players will go back in the draft pool.

Moreover, every squad can comprise a maximum of 16 players. Based on the rankings from the last season, this is the order in which the teams make their first picks: Lahore Qalanders, TBD, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United.

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi and the top-order batsman Babar Azam are not happy with their PSL franchise, Karachi Kings.

There remains some difference in opinion which is causing the delay in selection. However, the Kings are pressuring Afridi, for not being able to take part in the T10 league and can only play the PSL 2019.

In addition to, Shahid Afridi has refused to accept the demand of the franchise. It is likely the Karachi Kings will not retain the 38-year-old. Instead, his name will get placed in the draft which is scheduled to take place on November 20 in Islamabad. However, on that event, Afridi can get picked up by any other franchise.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam also refused to accept his demotion. Previously he was there in the platinum category, and now the franchise wants him to be in the diamond category. As per the procedure, the franchise can retain any player — if he agrees — by offering him a different class.

However, Karachi Kings already have five players — Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, Colin Ingram, Colin Munro, and Mohammad Amir — in the platinum category but according to the rules they can only retain three players from this group.