4 Hot Local Picks in HBL PSL 7 Draft | PSL 2021 Draft:
The HBL PSL 7 retention list was announced on 10 December 2021. Teams retained many notable local and foreign players for the seventh edition of PSL, however there were some shocking releases as well. Big stars like Kamran Akmal, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Qadir e.t.c were released from their last year franchises. Following are 4 major local star players who will be up for grabs in PSL 7 Draft:
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Fakhar Zaman:
Fakhar Zaman scored 287 runs in PSL 2021 for Lahore Qalandars. However he was released by the Qalandars when the retention list was announced. Fakhar Zaman has been in red hot form lately. He delivered his best in World T20 2021 matches, while he was also the star of the T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Fakhar Zaman is one of the most statistically proven player in PSL history, and picking someone like Fakhar in a T20 side can do wonders. Known as the big match player, Fakhar has always delivered in tough circumstances. It is expected that Lahore Qalandars will pick him back in the draft as they have the first pick in the Platinum Round.
Imran Khan Snr:
Imran Khan Snr is easily the most underrated superstar in this year’s HBL PSL draft. Imran picked up 12 wickets in 7 games for Multan Sultans last year. He was their third best bowler despite playing lesser number of matches. He was a great contributor in the trophy win of Multan Sultans, however the Sultans surprisingly released him from their squad. Imran Khan Snr has been on a whole different level recently with his brilliant accuracy of line and length. Imran Khan Snr has done well in the domestic circuit as well, and having a pacer with Imran Khan’s control could strengthen any Team’s bowling attack. Imran Khan Snr will be up for grab in the gold category of PSL 7 Draft.
Usman Qadir:
Usman Qadir is another promising talent who was set free from Multan Sultans. Qadir spent most of his time on the bench during PSL 7. Multan preferred Shahid Afridi and Imran Tahir over Usman Qadir. However after Multan Sultans traded Shahid Afridi to Quetta Gladiators this year, it was expected that Usman Qadir will finally get to play for the Sultans, but they released him instead. Qadir in his short international career, has received a lot of praise for his incredible resemblance in bowling with his late father, the great Abdul Qadir. In 65 matches, Usman Qadir has picked 65 wickets and has remained economical. Teams like Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings can pick Usman Qadir, as both of the sides haven’t got any big turner of the ball in their side.
Kamran Akmal:
Many believe that Kamran Akmal’s time is over now, but Kamran himself thinks otherwise. Rumors were heard that Kamran was unsatisfied with his demotion to the gold category. Kamran wasn’t retained by the Runners up of last year’s PSL. Kamran scored 283 runs at an average of 21 in PSL 7. He had an average PSL season, however he himself believes that he sett has got a lot more in him. Kamran Akmal is the all time 2nd highest run getter of PSL history and also has 3 centuries to his name. He also gives the wicket keeping benefit to his team, hence he could be a great choice for teams who don’t have a specialised wicket keeper in their side. Even Peshawar Zalmi haven’t got any wicket keeper in their side, and they can also pick him again.
PSL 7 Draft is scheduled for Sunday, 12th December beginning at 3:00PM (PST).
Read More: Big Trade between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators:
