PSL draft: Shakib picked by Karachi

Shakib Al Hasan, the number one all-rounder in the world, has been roped in by Karachi Kings to play in the inaugural season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is slated to take place in February next year.

The first day of the players draft was held today, where Karachi Kings picked Shoaib Malik as their icon cricket in the first place and then when their second chance came, they immediately registered Shakib from the Platinum category into their team. As of now, they have also picked Sohail Tanvir and Imad Wasim. Earlier Mickey Arthur was appointed the head coach of the side.

According to the rules, each team has to select three players from the Platinum, Diamond and Gold categories. At least two emerging players need to be selected by each team. Five players from the silver category have to be selected. Once a player is not selected in his initial category, he will automatically be demoted to the next lower category.

Shakib Al Hasan is the only Bangladeshi player in the Platinum category. Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahriar Nafees are included in the Gold group. Mominul Haque, Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah Riyad and Anamul Haque will be picked from the Silver category.

Players placed in the Platinum category will receive $140,000, Diamond players will earn $70,000, Gold will earn $50,000 and Silver will collect $25,000 respectively.

A total of 308 Pakistani and foreigner cricketers have shown interest in the PSL, out of which 80 would be selected for the five participating teams.

Teams as of now

Karachi Kings: Shoaib Malik, Shakib  alHasan, Sohail Tanvir, Imad Wasim

Peshawar Zalmi: Shahid Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Darren Sammy

Islamabad United: Shane Watson, Andre Russell, Misbahul Haq, Samuel Badree

Lahore Qalandars: Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Umar Akmal, Muhammad Rizwan

Quetta Gladiators: Kevin Pietersen, Sarfraz Ahmed, Ahmed Shehzad, Anwar Ali