PSL: Renewed Local Players’ Categories for Season 5 Announced

PSL management released renewed local players’ categories for season 5 which some eye-catching changes. The list includes players who had played PSL 2019 only. It was also confirmed that PSL franchises could retain up to eight players from last season.

Four players have been added to last year’s platinum category, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi and Sohail Tanvir. Imad Wasim has emerged as a key player for Pakistan especially improving his batting in ODI cricket, while Mohammad Nawaz has impressed with his left-arm spin. Similarly, Shaheen Shah’s stock has risen significantly in the recent past. Sohail Tanvir, on the other hand, was the top wicket-taker in the recently concluded National T20.

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Moreover, the recently recalled and discarded duo of the national side, Ahmed Shehzad and Umer Akmal also got promotion alongside Imam ul Haq, Haris Sohail and Iftekhar Ahmed to the diamond category.

All players who have played for Pakistan were assigned at least in the gold category.

The allocation of categories was based on voting from the six franchises. However, voting was not allowed for their own players. In the end, after the franchises had voted and submitted review requests, the final decision was made by Head of Player Acquisition and Management Imran Ahmed Khan and National Selection Coordinator Nadeem Khan then reviewed the final list based on this process.

The criteria were based on PSL performances, national and domestic performances, and perceived T20 brand value.

Under-23 players who have been called for the national side were not included in the Emerging category. Change has been made to the emerging player criteria as well. No U-23 player can be picked for a 3^rd time in the emerging category unless he has played less than three or fewer matches in two years.

Teams have the chance to request player relegation before announcing retentions. However, if any other franchise meets the player’s base price, he could be traded.

PSL 5 is set to be played in Pakistan in February and March 2020.