The first day of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) players draft has been held today (Monday). With a lot of excitement and hope, the draft has started. All five times- Peshwar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United-have drafted renowed players Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle and Shane Watson in the first round of the Platinum section.
Most speculated draft was Mohammad Amir, who was bought by Karachi Kings. Coach Wasim Akram just after the launch break picked Amir. Amir has performed well in the Bangladesh premier League.
But, slight confusion has erupted when Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal were not picked in the Platinum round. PSL draft anchor said Umar Akmal and Hafeez were demoted to Diamond round. But, there was no word about Younis Khan. Khan was among the 308 drafted players. He earlier warned if he was not made captain he will not play the tournamet. While Misbah Ul Haq has been picked up by Islamabad as captain; Younis Khan did not get any team.
Here are five players who did not get any team after the end of the first day
Saeed Ajmal
The Pakistan offspinner was a big name in the uction. But, he was ignored because he did not play any match for Pakistan since he was banned from bowling just before the World Cup 2015. Ajmal rectified his action, but he is no more a considered for Pakistan team. PCB said it will be good for him to bid adieu the game. Ajmal recently played domestic matches. The 38-year-old played only three matches in Bangladesh Premier League. He was dropped from the team after failed to impress the franchise Chittagong Vikings.
Younis Khan
He is the main protagonist behind Pakistan’s recent Test sereis victories against Sri Lanka and England. He announced retirement from ODI game this year against England while he played his last T20 match for Pakistan at Christchurch agansit New Zealand in 2010. He was never a good T20 batsman. Though, he won the T20 World Cup Pakistan as the captain. All five franchise have ignored him.
Kamran Akmal
This out of favour Pkaistan wicket keeper batsman has gone unsold till the end of three gems-Platinum, Diamond and Gold. The 33 year played 54 T20 matches for Pakistan. His strike rate is 120.40. He scored 897 runs at an aevrage of 20.86. He failed to do anything in the Bangladesh Premier League, but in domestic cricket of Pakistan, he scored three hundred.
Alastir Cook
The England Test captain was dropped from the 2015 World Cup team. First he was stripped from captaincy then dropped from the biggest cricket jambore. It is unlikey that he will make any comebcak in the England limited over the team. His name in the players draft surprised everyone.
Brett Lee
The former Australia speedstar has written his name in the Pakistan Super League, but none of the five franchise have shown interest in him. Last year he bade the Big Bash League adieu. His international career got over in 2012.
Cricket world will remember him as one of the lethal fast bowlers of all time. But, being on the wrong side of 39 none of the franchise has shown interest in him.