PSL2 drafts in Dubai a star-studded event

A host of marquee cricketers participate in drafts for second season of Pakistan Super League.
Published October 20, 2016

Drafts for the second season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL2) kicked off Wednesday, with a host of marquee cricketers like Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Shahid Afridi and Darren Sammy present at the occasion.

Drafts began for the Platinum Category, with first pick going to the Lahore Qalandars who opted for former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum. Karachi Kings followed with picking explosive West Indies opener Chris Gayle, whereas Peshawar Zalmi retained their skipper, Shahid Afridi, and Quetta Gladiators retained England star Kevin Pietersen. Islamabad United too kept their winning skipper Misbah-ul-Haq.

In the second round, Lahore went for Windes ace spinner Sunil Narine while Karachi picked Windies all-rounder Kieron Pollard. Peshawar bagged current England limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan, while Quetta retained their captain Sarfraz Ahmed. Islamabad retained Australia’s star all-rounder Shane Watson.

The third round saw the Qalandars retain Umar Akmal, highest scorer of the first edition, while the Kings retained captain and all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Quetta reposed their faith in opener Ahmed Shehzad. Islamabad retained West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell.

The PSL final will be held in Lahore.

Read more: PSL final to be held in Lahore

Islamabad United Captain Misbah-ul-Haq with director and bowling coach of Islamabad United Wasim Akram smile as they attend the PSL2 draft in Dubai. ─ AFP
Islamabad United Captain Misbah-ul-Haq with director and bowling coach of Islamabad United Wasim Akram smile as they attend the PSL2 draft in Dubai. ─ AFP

Karachi Kings player Chris Gayle holds team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
Karachi Kings player Chris Gayle holds team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

Quetta Gladiators player Kevin Pietersen looks on during PSL2 drafts in Dubai. ─ AFP
Quetta Gladiators player Kevin Pietersen looks on during PSL2 drafts in Dubai. ─ AFP

Quetta Gladiators Captain Sarfraz Ahmed takes team shirt during PSL2 drafts. ─ AFP
Quetta Gladiators Captain Sarfraz Ahmed takes team shirt during PSL2 drafts. ─ AFP

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum takes Lahore Qalandars team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum takes Lahore Qalandars team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

Peshawar Zalmi skipper Shahid Afridi takes a team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
Peshawar Zalmi skipper Shahid Afridi takes a team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

Islamabad United captain Misbah-ul-Haq takes team shirt during PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
Islamabad United captain Misbah-ul-Haq takes team shirt during PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum who is playing for Lahore Qalandars with former Pakistani cricketer Aqib Javed during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum who is playing for Lahore Qalandars with former Pakistani cricketer Aqib Javed during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle takes a Karachi Kings team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle takes a Karachi Kings team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

Quetta Gladiators, player Kevin Pietersen takes team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
Quetta Gladiators, player Kevin Pietersen takes team shirt during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP

PSL Chairman Najam Sethi speaks during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP
PSL Chairman Najam Sethi speaks during the PSL2 draft. ─ AFP