Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi headline PSL 2026 retentions; Mohammad Rizwan released

The build-up to Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is already heating up, with franchises locking in their core squads ahead of the first-ever player auction on February 11. And the early retention news delivers a mix of big names and one major surprise. 

Two of the biggest stars in Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, have been retained in the Platinum category by their respective PSL franchises. Babar will continue with Peshawar Zalmi, while Shaheen stays with Lahore Qalandars, reinforcing both teams’ leadership cores as they prepare for the league’s 11th edition.

Other big hitters retained in the Platinum bracket include Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) and Abrar Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators), alongside pace spearhead Hasan Ali (Karachi Kings). These marquee retentions underline how franchises are prioritising proven match-winners in the top category ahead of the player auction.

But the biggest surprise of the retention window so far has come from the Multan Sultans, who have chosen not to retain any players, releasing their captain Mohammad Rizwan as well. The move came as a surprise, as Rizwan is one Pakistan’s biggest names in T20 cricket in recent years.

Multan are the only franchise so far without a retained player, creating a clean slate heading into the auction. All other established teams have locked in between three and four players apiece, ensuring continuity in their lineups.

The two new PSL franchises, Sialkot Stallionz and Hyderabad, will finalise their retentions by February 7, joining the retention action before the auction. The Stallionz even made a big statement with the signing of Australian superstar Steve Smith ahead of their first-ever season in the league.

Full list of retained players:

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)