PSL 2026 Retentions: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Retained, Rizwan Let Go

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are retained in the Platinum category ahead of the PSL 2026 auction, while Mohammad Rizwan has been released by his franchise.

The Pakistan Super League(PSL) 2026 preparations have gathered pace as franchises finalised retentions ahead of the first-ever player auction on February 11.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi remain in the Platinum-category players. Babar continues with Peshawar Zalmi, while Shaheen stays at Lahore Qalandars for the league’s 11th edition. Islamabad United retained Shadab Khan in the same bracket. Quetta Gladiators kept Abrar Ahmed, and Karachi Kings backed fast bowler Hasan Ali.

However, Multan Sultans released all players, including captain Mohammad Rizwan. They are the only PSL franchise without any retained players, heading into the auction with a completely open roster.

The two new teams, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, will confirm retentions by February 7. Both will join the process before the auction on February 11. Sialkot Stallionz have already drawn attention by signing Australia star Steve Smith for their debut season.

READ ALSO | Steve Smith Joins PSL Franchise Sialkot Stallionz Ahead Of Mega Auction In February

Complete PSL 2026 Retentions

Lahore Qalandars– Shaheen Shah Afridi (Platinum), Abdullah Shafique (Diamond), Sikandar Raza (Gold), Mohammad Naeem (Silver)

Multan Sultans: None

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali (Platinum), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Diamond), Khushdil Shah (Gold), Saad Baig (Emerging)

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (Platinum), Sufyan Moqim (Diamond), Abdul Samad (Gold), Ali Raza (Emerging)

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Platinum), Salman Irshad (Gold), Andries Gous (Silver)

Quetta Gladiators: Abrar Ahmed (Platinum), Usman Tariq (Diamond), Hasan Nawaz (Gold), Shamyl Hussain (Emerging)