Lahore Qalandars have unveiled their retained core ahead of the upcoming Pakistan Super League season.
The franchise confirmed Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold) and Muhammad Naeem (Silver) as their retained players.
At the same time, Lahore Qalandars have released Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain ahead of the PSL auction.
Islamabad United were the first to announce their retention list, confirming Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold) and Andries Gous (Silver) as their retained players.
Islamabad, however, released several high-profile names, including Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan and Haider Ali.
Karachi Kings retained Hasan Ali (Platinum), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Abbas Afridi (Diamond) and Saad Baig (Emerging) from last season’s squad, while parting ways with Shan Masood, Aamer Jamal and Shahnawaz Dahani.
Quetta Gladiators kept Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq, Hasan Nawaz and Shyam Hossain, but released Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Mark Chapman, Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Saim Ayub has been released by Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the Pakistan Super League draft.
While there had been speculation over Babar Azam’s future with the franchise, Zalmi ultimately decided to retain the former Pakistan captain.
Along with Babar, the franchise has also kept Sufiyan Muqeem, Abdul Samad and Ali Raza as part of their retained core.
Among the six original PSL franchises, Multan Sultans are the only team yet to announce their retention list.
Meanwhile, of the two newly introduced teams, Sialkot Stallions have already made a major move by signing Steve Smith on a direct contract.
