LONDON: There were no takers for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the The Hundred Draft for the tournament’s 2024 edition on Thursday.

Former Pakistan skipper Babar and Rizwan, who have piled records as a T20 international opening pair for the national side, couldn’t find a place among the 32 players — both international and domestic — picked by the eight teams of the 100-ball format.

Babar, Rizwan and Pakistan’s current T20 captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had registered for the draft just days ahead of it. Shaheen, however, was picked again for Welsh Fire, the team he had represented last season.

Meanwhile, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim made a return to Trent Rockets after winning the Pakistan Super League for Islamabad United. His United team-mate and Pakistan pace sensation Naseem Shah was snapped up by Birmingham Phoenix.

Some formidable T20 names in Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Amir did not fall in favour for any of the franchises, who also ignored the likes of international stars Jason Roy, David Warner, Tim David, and Shakib Al Hasan.

West Indies players proved to be an attractive prospect for the teams in the draft as Northern Superchargers picked Nicholas Pooran, the first signing of the draft. Andre Russell and Shimron Hetmyer, meanwhile, were roped in by London Spirit.

Former international Kieron Pollard, who represented Karachi Kings in the PSL, joined Southern Brave, while Peshawar Zalmi’s Rovman Powell made a move to Trent Rockets.

Injured Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf (Welsh Fire) and the PSL’s highest wicket-taker Usama Mir (Manchester Originals) were retained ahead of the draft. The Hundred is scheduled to start on July 23.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2024