The eighth Pakistan Super League (PSL) season saw six (6) top franchises slugging it out for an opportunity to be crowned champions. However, attention to stars of national teams and some top international players isn’t the only focus of PSL action.
The league gives many emerging talents enough opportunities to showcase their talent and prepare for cricket action of future seasons. PSL emerging player drafts give youngsters the platform to perform at Pakistan’s biggest cricket stage for a chance to become world-renowned stars.
PSL is the second most-followed cricket league and gives young players exposure to world-class teams and scouts from foreign leagues looking to export talent. Some top PSL emerging player draft lists have produced talented cricketers set to take world cricket by storm in coming years.
Top 2022 Emerging Players from the PSL Player Draft
Every year, the PSL releases its list of player drafts across six (6) categories – Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver, Emerging, and Supplementary. The recent emerging players on the most recent PSL draft are:
- Mubasir Khan
- Zeeshan Zameer
- Faisal Akram
- Qasim Akram[a]
- Zaman Khan
- Maaz Khan
- Abbas Afridi
- Aamer Azmat
- Sirajuddin
- Mohammad Amir Khan
- Abdul Bangalzai
- Ashir Quresh
What is the Criteria to Feature in PSL Emerging Player Drafts?
Players who plan to feature in the PSL emerging category draft list must satisfy the following requirements:
- Player must under 23 years old as of 1 January of the draft year,
- Must have played in less than ten (10) PSL matches, and
- Has not been named in Pakistan’s senior national team
Players who meet the above requirements are eligible to be named among PSL emerging player drafts.
Success Stories of Top PSL Emerging Players
1. Muhammad Haris
Muhammad Haris once had hope of representing Pakistan in international cricket. The cricketer will later go on to play for Pakistan after his PSL debut in 2022. Haris became an overnight fan favorite after his performances for the national team at the 2022 T20 World Cup.
His aggressive play and potential to read games made him a top option for the Men in Green. He has become a regular in the final lineup and has a bright future ahead of him with the national team.
2. Naseem Shah
One of the youngsters from the PSL emerging player category to shine is Naseem Shah. Naseem’s PSL debut came with the Quetta Gladiators and his performances have earned him a place in the main lineup.
Quetta Gladiators rely on his smart swings to command games and see out opposing teams. Shah took Pakistan and world cricket by surprise when he featured in the 2022 Asia Cup. His skills as a master pacemaker makes it difficult for opposing batters to read his game.
3. Haider Ali
Haider Ali announced his presence in T20I cricket with a half-century on his debut in 2020. He has become a popular figure since that game but was already well-known as a top PSL emerging player.
Ali was the youngest player to achieve a half-century at that time and is now a rising star in Pakistan cricket. He got his break after securing a spot in the PSL supplementary list (below emerging players).
Ali now features for the Karachi Kings after getting his Platinum pick at a recent PSL auction. He also contributed to the Qalandars 2022 PSL trophy win with his impressive performances.
4. Shaheen S. Afridi
Shaheen ‘Flying Eagle’ Afridi is one of the most popular players ever to come out of emerging PSL player drafts. He recorded an impressive showing for the under-19s. His first-class debut came in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and became Pakistan’s top wicket-taker in other tournaments.
PSL Emerging Player Drafts Gives Youngsters Massive Opportunities
Unknown names in Pakistan cricket can get the platform they seek to become the next emerging star in world cricket. PSL player drafts give upcoming players the exposure and attention they need to become Pakistan’s top players for the future.
Previously unknown names like Aimal Khan, Qasim Akram, Zeeshan Zameer, and Haseebullah have proven their worth as talented cricketers in the domestic stage. PSL cricket allows other equally unknown players to pass the talent test towards becoming Pakistan’s future.
Cricketers drafted from the PSL emerging player category may have an opportunity to represent Pakistan in international competitions in the future. Such a privilege might be what’s needed to fulfil the potential of these cricketers from the streets to their dreams as a Pakistani cricketer
