Karachi, January 4, 2025: Karachi Kings, the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise representing Pakistan’s largest city, have officially announced their player retentions for the upcoming HBL PSL 10.
The Kings have strategically retained a mix of seasoned cricket stars and young talents, reflecting their commitment to creating a balanced and formidable squad.
Diamond Retentions:
• Hasan Ali
• James Vince
Gold Retentions:
• Shan Masood
• Mohammad Irfan Khan
Silver Retentions:
• Arafat Minhas (Brand Ambassador)
• Tim Seifert
• Zahid Mehmood
Each player retained by Karachi Kings brings unique value and a wealth of talent to the squad, ensuring a balanced and competitive lineup for the upcoming season.
Hasan Ali, a consistent and dynamic bowler, is set to spearhead the Kings’ bowling attack with his ability to deliver under pressure and turn games around. His experience and skill will be instrumental in leading the bowling unit.
James Vince, the team’s vice-captain, brings invaluable experience and batting prowess. Known for his astute cricketing intelligence, he strengthens the top order, providing stability and firepower when needed most.
Shan Masood, Kings’ captain, embodies leadership and dedication. His ability to inspire both teammates makes him a natural choice to guide the Kings both as a player and a leader.
Mohammad Irfan Khan, after two impressive seasons as an emerging player, has now ascended to the Gold category. With international cricket experience under his belt, he continues to showcase his potential as a promising talent for the future.
Arafat Minhas, the talk-of-the-town all-rounder, has been retained in the Silver category. In addition to his on-field contributions, he will serve as the Kings’ brand ambassador, exemplifying the multifaceted role of a modern cricketer who excels both on and off the field.
Tim Seifert, a versatile wicketkeeper-batsman, adds depth and flexibility to the squad. His ability to fortify the top order and enhance the wicketkeeping department ensures a robust team structure, ready to tackle the challenges of the season.
Zahid Mehmood was impressive last season and the experienced wrist spinner has been retained to strengthen the spin department of Karachi Kings.
Salman Iqbal, Owner of Karachi Kings:
“These retentions highlight our commitment to building a team that embodies passion, resilience, and excellence. This is the second season of Karachi Kings’ journey through a rebuilding phase, and we are focused on solidifying our core, especially our local players.
“With this blend of experienced stars and young talent, we are confident that the Kings will not only light up the season but also make a strong statement on and off the field. We wish the very best to those players who were part of our squad and will always remain a cherished part of the Karachi Kings family.”
Tariq Wasi, CEO of Karachi Kings:
“Player retention is always a challenging process, as it involves tough decisions and letting go of players who have contributed significantly to the team. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
“For this season, our retention strategy has been about securing a strong foundation with a focus on enhancing team dynamics and creating a cohesive squad. These retentions set the stage for Karachi Kings to deliver a competitive and exciting performance in the HBL PSL 10.”
Haider Azhar, Team Director and Head of Strategy:
“Retaining players is not just about talent; it’s about aligning with the vision of the team as we continue our process of rebuilding and shaping a new-look Karachi Kings. This season, we’ve prioritized solidifying our core, particularly our local talent, while ensuring a balanced mix of experience and promise.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to players who have been part of our journey, and we extend our heartfelt best wishes to them. We would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to those players who were part of our team last season but could not be retained.
“We thank them for their invaluable contributions and commitment to Karachi Kings. Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on this strong foundation and add complementary talent during the draft to round out a dynamic squad.”
With a strong foundation in place, Karachi Kings are eagerly gearing up for the HBL PSL Draft 2025, set to take place on January 11. The team aims to strategically enhance their squad through calculated acquisitions that complement their retained players, ready to make their mark in the upcoming season.