KARACHI: Left-handed batsman Salman Butt on Friday expressed his desire to represent one of the franchises after being drafted into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Gold Category for the upcoming PSL draft.

The 32-year-old, who has represented Pakistan in three World T20 championships from 2007 till 2010 said he was eager to represent one of the five franchises.

Speaking exclusively to Dawn.com after being named in the Gold category, Salman Butt said: "I am grateful to Allah. I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board and PSL for giving me this opportunity. I pray that I am given an opportunity to don one of the franchises' colours."

Salman was Pakistan's Test captain at the time of the spot-fixing scandal, which saw him along with Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir getting banned from all forms of cricket, averaged 70 in the recently concluded National T20 Cup with four 50-plus scores.

"You should expect good performances from my side and I hope I can deliver."

Other notable developments during the day saw Karachi Kings swap Sohail Tanvir for Lahore Qalandars' Chris Gayle.

Babar Azam, who scored a record 360 runs during the three-match One-Day International series against the West Indies, was lifted by Kings in return for a supplementary pick to Islamabad United.

Kings released all-rounder Fawad Alam, who did not play a single match in the inaugural season, and right-arm fast-bowler Mohammad Asif was drafted into the Silver Category.