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The excitement for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 intensifies as all six franchises unveiled their list of retained players ahead of the highly anticipated players draft on January 11.
PSL 2025: Teams announce retentions ahead of players draft
Teams were permitted to retain up to eight players from their previous squads, and several franchises made full use of the quota. Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators opted to retain all eight players, showcasing their confidence in their established core. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi retained seven players each, maintaining a balanced mix of proven performers, emerging talents, and franchise stalwarts.
These retention decisions emphasize a strategic approach to building competitive squads, ensuring a blend of experience and youthful vigor. With key players retained, teams are poised for another thrilling season, aiming to capitalize on their strengths while adapting to the evolving dynamics of the league.
Pakistan Super League: Full list of players retained by all six franchises
1. Islamabad United
Islamabad, the most successful team in HBL PSL history with three titles, have retained key players who played a vital role in their championship campaign last season. Skipper Shadab Khan who was also the player of the tournament, remains a cornerstone of the team’s strategy.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah, who delivered exceptional performances throughout the previous season, has been retained in the Platinum category, ensuring United’s bowling attack remains formidable. Imad Wasim, now serving as mentor, along with Azam Khan, provide crucial experience in the middle order. With a solid mix of youth and experience, Islamabad will look to defend their title and continue their dominance.
- Platinum: Shadab Khan (Captain), Naseem Shah
- Diamond: Imad Wasim (Mentor), Azam Khan
- Gold: Salman Ali Agha (Brand Ambassador), Haider Ali
- Silver: Colin Munro, Rumman Raees
2. Multan Sultans
Multan, runners-up last season, have retained their captain, Mohammad Rizwan, whose leadership and consistent performances have been pivotal. Leg-spinner Usama Mir, a key wicket-taker in the previous seasons, stays in the Platinum category to strengthen their bowling attack. David Willey, who has been a consistent performer in PSL, continues to provide all-round value. Iftikhar Ahmed, an experienced middle-order batter, alongside Usman Khan, ensures the Sultans remain competitive. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, Multan aim to make a return to the top.
- Platinum: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Usama Mir
- Diamond: David Willey (Mentor), Iftikhar Ahmed (Brand Ambassador), Usman Khan
- Gold: Chris Jordan
- Silver: Faisal Akram
3. Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar, once champions, have retained their captain, Babar Azam, the leading run-scorer in PSL history, who continues to anchor their batting. Dynamic opener Saim Ayub, who impressed last season, remains a key asset. Mohammad Haris, a young wicket-keeper, provides stability behind the stumps, while Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz and Sufyan Moqim strengthen their bowling attack. With a balanced squad featuring both youth and experience, Zalmi will look to reclaim their glory and add to their PSL success.
- Platinum: Babar Azam (Captain), Saim Ayub
- Diamond: Mohammad Haris
- Silver: Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufyan Moqim (Brand Ambassador)
- Emerging: Ali Raza
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4. Quetta Gladiators
Quetta, winners in 2019, have retained Rilee Rossouw, the leading run-scorer among overseas players in PSL history, who continues to be their backbone. Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, who has emerged as a threat to opposing batters, stays in the Diamond category. Mohammad Amir, a veteran pacer, will lead their bowling attack, while Saud Shakeel adds depth to the middle order. Akeal Hosein and Mohammad Wasim Jr., two of the top T20 bowlers, remain in Gold, ensuring the Gladiators’ bowling unit remains strong. Quetta aim to reclaim their winning ways with this well-rounded squad.
- Diamond: Rilee Rossouw, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir (Mentor)
- Gold: Saud Shakeel (Brand Ambassador), Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Silver: Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Usman Tariq
5. Karachi Kings
Karachi, one of the original franchises, have retained Hasan Ali and James Vince in the Diamond category, offering both pace and consistency. Skipper Shan Masood, who has been a key figure, remains in Gold along with the emerging star, Muhammad Irfan Khan, who was recognized for his fielding prowess in the last edition. Arafat Minhas and Zahid Mehmood add depth in Silver, while Tim Seifert offers an overseas option behind the stumps. The Kings aim to build on their strengths and challenge for their first title since 2020.
- Diamond: Hasan Ali, James Vince
- Gold: Shan Masood (Captain), Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Silver: Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador), Zahid Mehmood, Tim Seifert
6. Lahore Qalandars
Lahore, the 2023 champions, have retained Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, two of their standout performers. Haris Rauf, a rising star, has been retained as the brand ambassador and continues to spearhead their pace attack in Diamond. Sikandar Raza, a dynamic all-rounder, strengthens their middle order, while Abdullah Shafique and Jahandad Khan add to their batting depth in Gold. With David Wiese providing experience in Silver, Qalandars have a well-rounded squad and will look to maintain their momentum and defend their title.
- Platinum: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman
- Diamond: Haris Rauf (Brand Ambassador), Sikandar Raza
- Gold: Abdullah Shafique, Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan
- Silver: David Wiese
