The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has scheduled the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X replacement draft for Monday evening, to be conducted virtually, as per an official announcement. The draft aims to address the partial unavailability of five cricketers for select matches, allowing franchises to bolster their squads for the upcoming season, which will run from April 11 to May 18 across Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.
Peshawar Zalmi will seek a temporary replacement for their Gold category fast bowler Nahid Rana, who is expected to miss a portion of the tournament. Similarly, Karachi Kings will draft a stand-in for their Silver category batsman Litton Das, ensuring their lineup remains competitive during his absence. The PCB emphasized that these partial replacements are designed to maintain the balance of the squads without disrupting the overall structure of the teams.
In addition to these temporary changes, some high-profile international stars will also be unavailable for parts of the season. Islamabad United’s Supplementary category pick, South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen, is among those who will miss a few games. Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings will also face challenges, with New Zealand’s Mark Chapman (Platinum category) and Kane Williamson (Supplementary category) set to skip certain fixtures. The PCB has allowed these franchises to select replacements to cover these gaps, ensuring the tournament retains its competitive edge.
Meanwhile, Peshawar Zalmi faces a more significant overhaul, as their Diamond category all-rounder Corbin Bosch has been ruled out for the entire season. The franchise will use the replacement draft to secure a full-time substitute for Bosch, whose absence could impact their campaign if not addressed effectively. The PCB has assured teams of a smooth draft process to facilitate these necessary adjustments.
The HBL PSL X is poised to be another thrilling chapter in Pakistan’s premier T20 competition, with the four host cities gearing up to welcome fans and players alike. Karachi’s National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Multan Cricket Stadium, and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host matches over the five-week tournament, culminating in a grand finale on May 18. The PCB has promised a seamless experience for all stakeholders, with the replacement draft being a critical step in ensuring fairness and competitiveness across the board.
As franchises prepare for the draft, speculation is rife about which players might be targeted to fill these crucial roles. The virtual session on Monday will provide clarity, setting the stage for what promises to be an action-packed season. Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of HBL PSL X, with the replacement draft adding an extra layer of intrigue to the buildup. The PCB remains committed to delivering a world-class tournament, and these strategic replacements will play a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards expected from one of the globe’s most exciting T20 leagues.
