Lahore, March 19, 2024 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized a team for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 and appointed Shadab Khan as the captain of the tournament’s ninth edition.
The announcement, made on Tuesday, reverberated throughout the cricketing community as Shadab Khan, the 25-year-old prodigy, was entrusted with leading the charge for the HBL PSL 9. Khan’s appointment came as a recognition of his remarkable leadership skills and his stellar performance in the previous season of the league.
The selection process was meticulous, led by an independent panel chaired by Director International PCB, Usman Wahla. The panel, comprising seasoned cricketing minds such as Urooj Mumtaz, Mark Butcher, Danny Morrison, and Tariq Saeed, meticulously assessed various facets of T20 cricket to assemble a formidable team.
Shadab Khan’s leadership credentials were further bolstered by his exceptional performance in the previous season, where he steered Islamabad United to clinch the coveted title. Not only did he lead from the front with the bat and ball, amassing 305 runs and scalping 14 wickets in 12 matches, but he also exhibited astute captaincy, guiding his team to triumph.
Joining Shadab Khan in the illustrious lineup are two of his Islamabad United comrades, Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah. Imad Wasim’s pivotal role in Islamabad United’s triumph was highlighted by his match-winning performance in the final, where his all-round brilliance secured victory for his side. Meanwhile, Naseem Shah’s return from injury showcased his resilience and skill, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Multan Sultans, despite facing defeat in the final, had a strong presence in the team, with five players earning their spot. The trio of Usman Khan, Chris Jordan, and David Willey stood out with their exceptional performances throughout the season, underlining their importance to the team’s campaign.
Notable contributions from local talents like Usama Mir and Iftikhar Ahmed further solidified Multan Sultans’ representation in the lineup. Additionally, Karachi Kings’ emerging player, Muhammad Irfan Khan, impressed with his all-round abilities, earning a deserved spot in the team.
The opening pair of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from Peshawar Zalmi showcased their prowess with the bat, finishing as one of the top scorers of the tournament. Saim Ayub’s dual ability to score runs and pick up wickets earned him recognition as the all-rounder of the tournament, while Babar Azam’s consistent performances cemented his place as one of the premier batsmen in the league.
With a blend of experience and youth, the team of HBL PSL 9 promises an enthralling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Shadab Khan and his team as they aim to etch their names in PSL history once again.
