Teams are finalizing their Gold Category players as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 draft officially begins.

The top picks from the first round and the teams’ subsequent selections are listed below.

Peshawar Zalmi: During their first pick, Peshawar Zalmi made the unexpected choice to select Abdul Samad from the Gold Category wild card alternatives.

Nahid Rana of Bangladesh was chosen in the second round, further bolstering their team. The team selected Hassan Talat with their third pick in an attempt to strengthen their all-arounder position for the forthcoming campaign.

Multan Sultans: To strengthen their squad, the Multan Sultans made a few important additions. In the gold category, they first selected Muhammad Hasnain, and in the second round, Kamran Ghulam. It is anticipated that these tactical decisions will provide their batting and bowling units with more firepower.

Ben Dwarshuis was chosen by Islamabad United in the first round of the Gold Category, which was an intriguing choice. With this encouraging addition, the squad hopes to balance and deepen its lineup.

Karachi Kings: In their initial round of picks, the Karachi Kings chose Aamir Jamal in the Gold Category. It is anticipated that the addition of this young talent would energize their bowling attack.

On Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted a preliminary list of more than 20 players to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Sources have verified that the roster has numerous notable players alongside a blend of burgeoning talent.

The preliminary roster includes prominent individuals such as captain Muhammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, and Irfan Khan Niazi. Fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abbas Afridi, in addition to spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Muqim, are included in the preliminary team. Other significant entries are Abdullah Shafiq, Naseem Shah, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Hasibullah.

Promising young batsman Saim Ayub, whose fitness is still being evaluated, has also been included in the preliminary team.

According to sources, the final squad would be revealed by February 10, 2025, after the completion of the tri-series against South Africa.

The National Selection Committee has presented a 15-member lineup for the South Africa series, closely resembling the Champions Trophy team.

Insiders indicate that the final team will experience multiple alterations. It is reported that players such as Abdullah Shafiq and Usman Khan are unlikely to be included in the final selection.

According to ICC regulations, all competing teams are required to submit preliminary squad names one month prior to the competition. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin on February 12, 2025, with final squad approvals anticipated just prior to the event.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declared the inclusion of four legendary players—Mushtaq Muhammad, Inzamamul Haq, Saeed Anwar, and Misbahul Haq—into its esteemed Hall of Fame for 2024.

The decision acknowledges the significant efforts of these former cricketers, who have had a lasting impact on the history of Pakistani cricket.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi articulated his satisfaction in recognizing the players, asserting, “These four players occupy a significant position in the annals of Pakistani cricket.” Their accomplishments have motivated generations, and their commitment to the sport is unmatched.

Naqvi said, “Cricketers serve as our ambassadors.” The PCB takes pride in bestowing this honor upon them. I anticipate that our cricketers will emulate these esteemed players.

Mushtaq Muhammad, a pioneering figure in Pakistani cricket, captained the team with distinction and played a crucial role in establishing the groundwork for future achievements.

Inzamamul Haq, recognized for his composed demeanor and match-winning contributions, is one of Pakistan’s most esteemed batters.

Saeed Anwar’s graceful batting technique and capacity to overpower bowlers endeared him to fans, whereas Misbahul Haq’s leadership and reliability in adversity solidified his status as one of the nation’s most esteemed captains.

Icons respond Legends Mushtaq Muhammad, Saeed Anwar, Inzamamul Haq, and Misbahul Haq have conveyed their pleasure at their induction into the PCB Hall of Fame. The players expressed profound insights on their cricketing travels and treasured recollections that characterized their distinguished careers.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq characterized the accolade as a pivotal milestone in his life. “Such accolades or distinctions hold significant importance for former cricketers.”Today, I reflect on numerous significant performances,” he stated.

Inzamam cited the 1992 World Cup as a seminal tournament for both himself and the nation when reflecting on his career highlights. “The triple century against New Zealand possesses particular significance for me,” he stated.

Saeed Anwar conveyed appreciation and modesty for getting the accolade. “I never imagined I would compete in cricket at such a high level,” he stated.

Anwar emphasized his inaugural ODI century and the remarkable innings of 194 runs against India as pivotal moments in his career. “It is an honor to be inducted alongside cricketers who have brought pride to the nation,” he stated.

Misbah contemplated his career as a player and captain, characterizing the induction as a time of pride. “It is a significant honor for me to represent and subsequently lead the Pakistan team.” He expressed pride in being inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside cricketers who have distinguished themselves for the nation.

He nostalgically remembered significant successes, like the 2009 T20 World Cup, the 2012 whitewash of England, and the 2013 ODI series victory in South Africa. “Defeating Australia in both Tests in 2014 and matching the world record for the fastest century are significant milestones,” he remarked, further stating that attaining the number-one Test team ranking was a career pinnacle.

Muhammad, a pioneer of cricket in Pakistan, expressed his happiness and appreciation. “My happiness doubles upon seeing the name of my elder brother, the legendary cricketer Hanif Mohammad, on this list,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude to the PCB for the acknowledgment and conveyed delight in being a part of Pakistan’s illustrious cricketing heritage.

The PCB Hall of Fame was formed in April 2021, with the exclusive aim of honoring and promoting the achievements of the nation’s premier cricket players, after approval from the Board of Governors during its 62nd meeting.

Six individuals—Hanif Mohammad, Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Zaheer Abbas—were the inaugural inductees of the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Two supplementary members will be incorporated each year, selected by an unbiased voting committee.

Criteria and selection process for the Hall of Fame
Each year on October 16, the anniversary of Pakistan’s inaugural Test match, the inductees are revealed, either by unanimous decision or majority vote. Formal inductions occur during events or at a PCB Gala Dinner, alongside the PCB Award recipients.

Players with outstanding statistical records and impeccable careers who have contributed to Pakistan and international cricket will be considered for inclusion. A minimum of five years must elapse following an inductee’s retirement from international cricket.

The PCB Hall of Fame automatically inducts individuals who have been enshrined in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Nominations from each independent panel member are directly submitted to the PCB’s designated representative. All nominations are confidential. An internal auditor oversees the voting process and validates inductees to ensure transparency.

The independent panel excludes any PCB management members to ensure transparency and avert conflicts of interest.