Photo Credti: Karachi Kings
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially released the list of local player category renewals, setting the stage for an exciting HBL Pakistan Super League 2024. The Karachi Kings, champions of the 2020 season, witness strategic changes in the roster following the PCB’s meticulous evaluation and categorization process.
This move adds an extra layer of anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the cricketing extravaganza, scheduled tentatively from 8 February to 24 March 2024.
One notable upgrade is Tayyab Tahir’s ascension from the silver category to the gold category. Another significant promotion is witnessed in the case of Qasim Akram, who has transitioned from the emerging category to the prestigious gold category. Both players have earned gold status due to their representation of Pakistan in international cricket.
Tayyab Tahir made his T20I debut against Afghanistan in March of this year, while Qasim captained the Pakistan squad in the Asian Games 2023. However, the renewal process has also entailed adjustments, with Haider Ali moving from the platinum category to gold. This adjustment aligns with the PCB’s standards, preventing internationally represented players from being relegated below the gold category.
In accordance with the revised categorizations, Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Amir, seasoned campaigners of the game, uphold their esteemed statuses in the Platinum and Diamond categories. Imad Wasim, the resilient captain of the Kings, remains at the forefront, leading the team with prowess in the Platinum category. Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Amir, recognized as pivotal contributors to the squad, persist in their roles within the Diamond category.
Moving on to the Gold and Silver categories, the Karachi Kings boast a dynamic mix of experience and emerging talent. In these categories, notable players include Haider Ali, Aamir Yamin, Sharjeel Khan, Mir Hamza, Tayyab Tahir, Musa Khan, and Qasim Akram in the Gold category, while the Silver category features Mohammad Ikhlaq, Mohammad Umar, and Akif Javed.
As the Karachi Kings, along with other franchises, prepare to submit relegation requests for their players, the excitement builds for the upcoming season. It is during this phase that teams will have the opportunity to meet the base category of the players, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Notably, U23 players cannot serve as Emerging players in a squad for more than two years, unless they have played nine or fewer matches in that period.
Here is the complete list of Karachi Kings’ local players with their respective categories:
Platinum: Imad Wasim
Diamond: Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir
Gold: Haider Ali, Aamir Yamin, Sharjeel Khan, Mir Hamza, Tayyab Tahir, Musa Khan, Qasim Akram
Silver: Mohammad Ikhlaq, Mohammad Umar, Akif Javed
Emerging: Irfan Khan Niazi, Faisal Akram
