KK relegate captain Shan Masood

Overall, Karachi Kings relegate three players

Former champions Karachi Kings have relegated their captain Shan Masood ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 player draft, scheduled to take place on January 11, 2025.

Shan, who is currently leading the national team in the two-match away Test series against South Africa, was appointed as the captain of the Kings last season.

The opening batter, however, failed to change the fortunes of the former champions, who did not feature in the playoffs since 2021.

Shan also did not flare well with the bat as he only managed to score 158 runs in 10 innings at a dismal average of 15.8 and a meagre strike rate of 105.8. Besides Shan, the 2020 champions also relegated right-arm pacer Hasan Ali and leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood.

Hasan, who joined the Kings after a successful trade with Islamabad United, took 14 wickets in 10 matches at a decent average of 22.42, while Zahid could pick up eight wickets in six games.

Notably, Hasan was one of the four local players promoted to the Platinum category, alongside Quetta Gladiators' Mohammad Amir, Peshawar Zalmi's Saim Ayub and Multan Sultans' Usama Mir.

Meanwhile, three-time PSL champions Islamabad United released left-arm pacer Rumman Raees, while Lahore Qalandars released right-handed opener Abdullah Shafique.

Furthermore, left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram was also released by 2021 champions Multan Sultans.

It is pertinent to mention that Balochistan is set to host a PSL draft for the first time, with Gwadar hosting the key event on January 11, 2025. The pick order for the PSL 10 player draft has also been announced, with two-time champions Lahore Qalandars making the first pick in the opening round of the platinum category, followed by arch-rivals Karachi Kings.

2019 champions Quetta Gladiators will make the third pick, while Peshawar Zalmi will have the fourth.