The player draft for the sixth edition of the 2021 Pakistan Super League took place on 10 January 2021.[1] Before the draft, the teams were allowed to retain a maximum of 8 players and make any transfers that they saw necessary. More than 400 players from over 20 different countries featured at the draft. From these players, the teams each selected 16 players along with 2 extra supplementary players to complete their 18-man squads. The draft was completed one month before the main tournament the 2021 Pakistan Super League (2021 PSL) started, in late February. Due to the suspension of the tournament because of COVID-19, a replacement draft was held.[2]
Background
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the two-time champions Islamabad United would have the first pick, this was decided by a random draw.[3] Before the draft, the PCB announced the renewal categories for all Pakistani players who played in the previous season.[4][5] Soon after, the list of overseas players was released.[6]Luke Ronchi was released from Islamabad United squad as he was announced as unable to participate due to his new role as New Zealand batting coach.[7]
On 9 January 2021, the PCB announced the retention players list. All the teams were allowed to retain a maximum of 8 players from the previous season.[8][9]
The draft took place on 10 January and over 400 players from 20 different countries registered.[10] Islamabad United, the two-time champions, got the first pick in the opening round of the draft choosing wildcard Hasan Ali.[11] Islamabad United were followed by Multan Sultans (second), Lahore Qalandars (third), Peshawar Zalmi (fourth), Quetta Gladiators (fifth) and Karachi Kings (sixth).[12] After the draft, Shoaib Malik was involved in a car crash. He was said to be "perfectly all right".[13]
The category salaries were as follows:[14]
