According to sources, veteran cricketer Mohammad Hafeez will be among the top players available for selection in the replacement draft for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8. The replacement draft, set to take place on a specific date at 7 PM (PST), will feature a host of notable players, including Aaron Finch (Australia), Kieron Pollard (West Indies), Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan), Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh), Dawid Malan (England), Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa), Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka), Lungi Ngidi (South Africa), and Reece Topley (England).
Hafeez, who went unpicked in the players' draft last December, is expected to draw significant interest from franchises in the replacement draft. The right-handed batter has represented Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars during the last seven seasons and has accumulated 1596 runs in 71 matches, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer in the league thus far.
The replacement draft will be live-streamed on the PSL's official YouTube channel at 7 PM (PST). Additionally, several franchises will use the draft to select replacements for players who will miss the upcoming season due to national duty or other reasons. Lahore Qalandars, for example, will pick a permanent replacement for England's Harry Brook, who will miss the entire season, and make partial replacements for Jordan Cox and Rashid Khan, who will miss the first three matches.
Additionally, Multan Sultans will select a replacement for England's Adil Rashid, who will also miss the upcoming season. They will also make partial replacements for David Miller (South Africa), Akeal Hussain (West Indies), and Tim David (Australia).
Islamabad United, the two-time champions, will also make partial replacements for Alex Hales (England), Moeen Ali (England), Rahmanullah Garbaz (Afghanistan), and Fazalhaq Farooqui (Afghanistan). 2017 PSL champions Peshawar Zalmi will also make partial replacements for Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (Afghanistan) and Rovman Powell (West Indies).
Quetta Gladiators will also make partial replacements for Waninidu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Jason Roy (England), and Odean Smith (West Indies).
In addition to these replacements, all the franchises will also pick two players each in the supplementary category to complete their squads of 20. This will provide an opportunity for new and upcoming players to showcase their talents and potentially earn a spot on a PSL team.
The replacement draft is an important event in the lead up to the PSL season, as it allows teams to fill any gaps in their rosters and build a strong squad for the upcoming tournament. With the inclusion of veteran players like Mohammad Hafeez and top international players like Aaron Finch and Kieron Pollard, the replacement draft promises to be an exciting event for fans of the league.
