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PSL 2026: Babar Azam retained in platinum category, Mohammad Rizwan released

Thursday, 05-Feb-2026, 04:29 AM
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As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) gears up for its historic first-ever player auction on 11 February 2026, franchises have confirmed their Platinum category retentions. Some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket will continue to represent familiar colours.

Babar Azam remains the cornerstone of Peshawar Zalmi, while Shaheen Shah Afridi stays with Lahore Qalandars. Shadab Khan has been retained by Islamabad United. Quetta Gladiators have placed their trust in mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed, and Karachi Kings have held on to experienced fast bowler Hasan Ali.

The most surprising move came from Multan Sultans, who chose not to retain a single player. In a bold reset, they even released their captain and star batter Mohammad Rizwan. Meanwhile, two new teams in the PSL, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, are set to announce their player retentions by February 7.

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)

Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)

Multan Sultans: No retention

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